Many international students at Portage College campus locations across northeast Alberta joined millions around the world to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi over the past week.

Known as the festival of colour, due to a part of the celebrations that involves throwing coloured powder, Holi activities welcome the arrival of the spring season with a focus on new life and love.

The event is held during the last full moon phase of the lunar month. Holi celebrations around the world began on March 14 this year.

Students at the Lac La Biche Portage College campus, with the assistance of the Students’ Association of Portage College, hosted the Holi celebration inside the Voyageur Grill with an evening of events that included booths where henna art and face-paint was applied as music played over the decorated room’s speakers. While there was an area inside where the coloured powder was available for light face-painting, an outdoor area was also set up by SAPC members for more ‘enthusiastic’ applications. The outdoor activity involved participants throwing bags filled with the coloured powder at a large canvas … and at each other.

Despite cool temperatures and a light snowfall that night, most participants didn’t seem to notice the chill as they laughed under a cloud of colour.

SAPC executive members said the event was a success, helping to introduce the community to a custom shared by students, and helping international students feel connected to their traditions while studying abroad.

For more images from the Holi event, visit the Portage College social media pages.

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Portage College 780-623-5551 or email info@portagecollege.ca

For media inquiries:Corporate Communications Department
780-623-6671 / 780-404-1539 or email:  pr@portagecollege.ca