The Holi Festival is a Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The Festival of Colors is a celebration of love, laughter, friendship, hope and joy. It is widely known as India’s most colorful festival, and is most commonly celebrated with gulal, colored powder imitating the colors of spring. Typically celebrated at the first full moon of Phalguna (March) in the Hindu calendar, Holi is a time for people of all ages and walks of life to come out and join in the revelry—to sing and dance with each other, to share food, and the hope of brighter days ahead. Holi has been popularized and is now enthusiastically celebrated all over the world.

This special event will bring to life Krishna and the popular story of Holi, while addressing issues related to colorism that impact many cultures across the globe. The puppet show will be followed by a dialogue moderated by Nina Davuluri. A panel of students, ages 8-18, will share their thoughts and experience about culture, identity, and colorism. 

Speakers

Nina Davuluri is an acclaimed activist, filmmaker, actor, & entrepreneur. She first gained international recognition by becoming the first Indian American and South Asian to become Miss America 2014. Her most recent venture combines the network she has cultivated, her love for advocacy, and disrupting global beauty standards by producing her new documentary, #COMPLEXion. Raised in a culture sensitive to skin tones, Nina was hyper-aware of the skin lightening industry and how it dramatically influences beauty standards. Through advocating for diversity and encouraging others to embrace their identity, she knew it was important to create a platform where people can share experiences on colorism around the world.  

Partners and Supporters 

The Center for Global Education is proud to partner with The Culture Tree on this event. The Culture Tree is a leading New York based organization that promotes cultural literacy about South Asia through language and educational & cultural programs. They partner with museums, galleries, schools and libraries to implement their classes and programming.

TAGMO makes Indian regional home cooking and specialty sweets prepared in small batches in New York City by chef Surbhi Sahni and women of color. Delivered to your door contact-free in reusable containers. Always gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

The India Center is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to the study of the Indian subcontinent, the promotion of its cultural life, and the unique relationship between India and the United States. Based in New York City, The India Center hosts dialogues and exhibitions, mounts programs, educates audiences, and fosters debate focused on India’s future as well as its rich and varied past.
 

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is the largest municipal funder of culture in the country and is committed to providing access to art and culture for all New Yorkers.