Moscow to host Sita Holi Mela – Indian spring festival of colours

The 18th annual Sita Holi Mela festival will take place in Moscow on 26 April. The event will be held at the Palace of Culture named after S. P. Gorbunov.

Holi is an Indian spring festival symbolising the victory of good over evil. On this day, people throw dry coloured powders over one another, share sweets and dance.

“When we are covered in Holi colours, we all look the same. Differences fade away, leaving only shared laughter, music and human warmth. This is the true spirit of our festival, and it perfectly aligns with our mission this year. By organising Sita Holi Mela, we are actively supporting the Year of Unity, bringing together people from diverse cultures to play, dance and celebrate as one big family. We invite the whole of Moscow to immerse themselves in this vibrant tradition, set aside everyday concerns and feel how joy and colour naturally bring us closer together,” said Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian National Cultural Centre SITA, which is the organiser of the event.

The main highlight of the festival – the Holi colour play – will take place from 16:00 to 19:00 (Moscow time). An Indian bazaar will also operate on-site, offering traditional food, spices, jewellery, textiles and henna body art – mehendi.

Photo: Indian National Cultural Centre SITA

From 10:00 to 19:00 (Moscow time), the centre will host an Indian dance competition featuring ensembles from Russia, India, other BRICS countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The programme will include performances of classical Indian and folk dances, as well as Bollywood-style routines. The competition will conclude with a gala concert.