The University of Westminster’s Students’ Union (UWSU) collaborated with the Indian National Student Association (INSA), Hindu Society and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee this year to celebrate Holi, a Hindu festival that symbolises joy, unity and new beginnings.
Inspired by the story of Lord Krishna and Shri Radha, where colours were used to break barriers, Holi is a reminder that beyond all differences, there is shared happiness and community. World in Westminster brought this celebration to the University for the first time. The Hindu Society welcomed the event with a prayer session, followed by the vibrant celebrations.
About the celebration, Suhavee Sethi, Vice President of Undergraduate Education at the UWSU, said: “Being far from home often brings a sense of longing, especially during festivals usually spent with family and friends. Holi is one of those special days where all you want to do is spread joy, laughter and colour with the people around you. You might think that being away would make us feel nostalgic or even sad, but honestly, that hasn’t been the case for me at all.
“Since coming to Westminster, I have never really felt homesick during festivals and that is because of how the community here comes together. This year, we wanted to celebrate Holi in an inclusive way and bring people together through colour, culture and connection. It was such a lovely experience to see everyone joining in and enjoying themselves.
The event was a vibrant celebration, bringing together attendees in a way that fostered a sense of community and belonging. Organisers expressed hope that the gathering helped ease feelings of homesickness for many. Reflecting on the event’s success, one participant shared their pride in seeing months of planning come to life, highlighting the deep connection they feel to Westminster. They added that experiences like these strengthen their bond with the University and inspire them to continue contributing to such meaningful occasions in the future.
The INSA committee added: “Hosting Holi for the first time was an incredible experience, and we’re so proud to have been part of making it happen! Working alongside the Hindu Society and the UWSU made the event much more special and it was amazing to see students come together to celebrate with such enthusiasm, energy and togetherness. This event truly wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and effort of everyone involved.
“The overwhelming participation and excitement highlighted the importance of embracing and sharing cultural traditions on campus. It was a joy to witness such a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, and we hope this is just the start of many more celebrations to come. We look forward to continuing to collaborate and bring even more meaningful and dynamic events to the University community!”
Hindu Society added: “It was an incredible experience helping to organise Holi on campus for the first time, and I’m so glad we were able to bring this celebration to Westminster. Seeing so many students come together to enjoy the festive spirit made the event special. I truly appreciate all the support in making this happen, and I hope this is just the start of many more Holi celebrations at the University!”
This collaborative event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 17: Partnerships for Goals. 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 World in Westminster Café at the University.
