THE Indian community in Davao City is holding the first-ever Holi Festival from 2 p.m. to midnight at the Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier on March 7.
Organizers are expecting over 1,000 guests who will join the event dubbed as the "Festival of Colors." To add more flare, they have lined up dance performances and will be putting up food stalls so that guests will get a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.
Juvy Sta. Maria-Palo said the playing of colors with water balloons and water guns, taking place between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., will highlight the event.
She said they will be using 5 to 10 Gulal Holi powders, a non-toxic, water soluble and environment-friendly color powders imported from India.
"We advise the participants to come in white shirts," she said.
In a briefer, Holi Festival, also known as the festival of love, is an ancient Hindu religious festivity observed in India, Nepal, and other regions of the world where a significant number of Hindus live in.
Although inspired by the original Indian Holi Festival, the upcoming celebration is open to all those who want to experience Indian culture, as it will not promote any religious beliefs.
"It is about promoting the ideas of unity and camaraderie through the colors of everyday life. It is a day of fun and excitement," the briefer added.
Sta. Maria-Palo explained the significance of the celebration, this being a depiction of an ultimate triumph of the "good" over the "evil."
"While, a feast of colors associated with the Holi, is the face of this celebration, the original reason of celebrating Holi, lies in its soul," it added.
Tickets are sold at P200 (free Bacardi drink and color pack) and P300 (free Bacardi drink, color pack and souvenir shirt). Ticket outlets are Pankaj: House of Indian Fashions, Kirti Accessories, Indian Grocery in Matina, Food For You (near DMSF) and schools Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), Brokenshire College, Davao Doctors College and San Pedro College (SPC).