Color, Culture, and Celebration
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyful celebrations in Indian culture, and experiencing it at Tufts feels like a magical blend of tradition and community. Taking place at the end of March, Holi marks the arrival of spring, a time of renewal, happiness, and togetherness. At its core, it’s about celebrating life, letting go of negativity and embracing joy. And while it’s a global tradition, Tufts has a way of making it uniquely special.
Holi has deep cultural roots in India. It’s a day to welcome the warmth of spring, honor the victory of good over evil, and strengthen bonds with loved ones. What makes Holi so iconic is the use of colored powders, or gulal, which people throw at one another. By the end of the celebration, everyone is covered head-to-toe in vibrant hues. It’s a festival where differences blur, and all that remains is laughter, joy, and togetherness.
But Holi is more than just colors. It’s about food, music, and celebrating a carefree, happy lifestyle. Sweet treats like gujiyas (flaky pastries stuffed with dried fruits and nuts) and savory snacks like dahi vada (lentil fritters in spiced yogurt) are staples of the festival. The soundtrack of Holi is just as lively, featuring Bollywood beats and folk songs that make everyone want to dance.
Tufts has a way of embracing diverse traditions and making them feel at home, and Holi is no exception. Organized by the Tufts South Asian Student Association (TASA), the event is a campus-wide celebration that brings together students, staff, and faculty from all walks of life. It typically takes place on the Res Quad, where the spring weather makes the perfect backdrop for this joyous festival.
The day begins with students gathering in white clothes, ready to be drenched in colors. With upbeat Bollywood music playing, the energy is infectious. By the time you’ve thrown your first handful of colored powder, you’re already part of something much bigger, a celebration of community, friendship, and happiness. Seeing the quad transform into a kaleidoscope of color is truly breathtaking.
But it’s not just about throwing colors. The food is always a highlight of Tufts Holi. TASA does an incredible job curating authentic Indian snacks and drinks. Imagine enjoying crispy samosas, sweet rasgullas (milk-based desserts), and refreshing thandai (a spiced milk drink) after a whirlwind of color. These flavors transport you straight to the streets of India, reminding you of the rich culinary heritage behind the festival.
Holi embodies a carefree, joyful lifestyle that resonates with everyone, no matter where you’re from. It’s about letting go of stress, forgiving grudges, and embracing life’s simple pleasures. At Tufts, where academic and social lives can get hectic, Holi is a refreshing break—a moment to pause and simply celebrate being alive.
The inclusivity of Holi at Tufts makes it even more special. Whether you grew up celebrating it or are experiencing it for the first time, the festival feels like a warm invitation into a cherished tradition. It’s a space where students can connect over shared laughter, dance moves, and the universal joy of good food.