The Indian National Students Association (INSA) at the University of Westminster hosted a vibrant Holi celebration for all students and alumni on 24 March at the Arena Lounge in Wembley, near the University’s Harrow Campus.
Holi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with dancing, singing and the throwing of powdered pigments and colourful water. This event celebrated the festival of colours and love and marked the beginning of the spring season. The INSA Holi celebration was attended by more than 300 students, making it one of the largest festivals hosted by the University to date.
Yashesh Tanna, President of the University’s INSA Society and a student on the Accounting BSc Honours course, said: “We were immensely happy to see 300+ people enjoying their time at our free Holi Event for all the Westminster students. The amazing responses from students made it a big success and undoubtedly one of the best so far!”
Falguni Thakkar, Vice President of the INSA Society and a student on the Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA Pt II) course, said: “For us, INSA is always a Home Away from Home, and we abide by that statement! Curating and celebrating this free Holi event was a truly memorable experience. Being on the organising end, it was so rewarding to see everyone embrace the colours and culture of Holi!”
Kameron Bailey Hawsey, a student on the Digital Media and Journalism BA Honours course, said: "As an American who has never celebrated Holi before, learning more about my best friend's culture was such a unique and beautiful experience, and throwing colours on people was super fun!”
Urja Shah, a student on the Human Nutrition BSc Honours course who attended the Holi celebration, said: “I just wanted to take a moment to express how amazing the Holi celebration was! It truly felt like a burst of joy and colour, bringing us all together in such a special way. As an Indian student, it felt like a piece of home right here on campus. Big shoutout to the team for putting together such a fantastic event. It's memories like these that make our time here unforgettable.”
This event directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about upcoming Equality, diversity and inclusion events at the University of Westminster.
