UF’s first university-wide Holi — Festival of Colors will be held Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Hume Field.
Holi, an Indian tradition celebrating spring by throwing colored powder, is being held at UF to expose students to a different culture and promote education, said Henna Ibrahim, the student coordinator for UF Holi.
“We want students to learn about this important Indian tradition in an active way — not through a pamphlet or lecture,” said the 21-year-old UF food science and human nutrition senior.
All people are encouraged to attend, share in the fun and wear white.
“In India, Holi is the day that differences in caste, creed, socioeconomic status and all the other components that can divide communities is forsaken,” Ibrahim said. “People leave the event the same way — covered in color and with a smile.”
About 600 people are expected to attend the event, which will feature free food from the Hare Krishnas starting at 1 p.m. and the color celebration at 2 p.m.
Swamp Fitness will be raffling personal training and yoga classes to participants.
Rana Sayroo, the director for UF’s Indian Student Association, said participating in Holi is a great experience.
“It’s just amazing to see everyone having fun throwing powder at each other, and it creates unity,” said the 19-year-old UF biology sophomore. “Everyone comes to Holi looking different, but we all leave looking the same.”
