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Celebrating Holi 2026

04 Mar 2026

Renewal, Resilience and the Colours of Spring

Holi 2026 text on a vibrant colourful background

Each spring, communities across the world celebrate Holi, the festival of colours. Rooted in Dharmic traditions, Holi marks both a seasonal and spiritual turning point: the arrival of spring, and the renewal of hope, courage and joy.

One of the central stories associated with Holi is that of Prahlada and Holika. It is a story about moral resilience: Prahlada remains steadfast in his integrity and faith despite persecution, whilst Holika - representing arrogance and misuse of power - is ultimately overcome. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning away of ego, injustice and what no longer serves us.

The following day is filled with colour. Bright powders are shared in a joyful celebration that dissolves social boundaries and reminds us of a powerful truth: diversity is not division.

Get involved

The Dharmic Cultures colleague network at the University invites you to celebrate Holi with them and consider why it’s such a popular event across the world, the spiritual/wellbeing takeaways we can all learn from, and fun activities to get involved with.

  • When: Friday 6 March, 4pm – 6pm
  • Where: Alan Turing Frank Adams 1 & 2
  • Sign up here 

For colleagues from non-Dharmic backgrounds, Holi offers universal reflections relevant to wellbeing and development:

  • Resilience: How do we remain anchored in our values under pressure, and indeed what values will be central to our beliefs that we  will not let go.
  • Letting go: What might we consciously release to grow into the next season? Qualities like arrogance, ego hold us back and stop us from developing and  narrow our vision.
  • Joy and play: In demanding academic environments, shared celebration can restore creativity and connection. Young, old, whatever your background, we can all share the joy and fun and colours of life.
  • Community: Holi reminds us that belonging and mutual respect strengthen us all.

Wishing a joyful Holi to all who celebrate, and a season of growth and light to our entire university community. Get in touch here if you're interested in joining the Dharmic Cultures Staff Network.

Jitesh S. B. Gajjar (University of Manchester Dharmic Cultures Staff Network,  and Dept of Mathematics)