This past week, Furman’s campus came alive with clouds of color, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of South Asian cuisine—all thanks to a vibrant Holi celebration organized by FUASIA, the Asian student organization.
Holi, often called the “Festival of Colors,” is a centuries-old South Asian tradition that originated in India but has since crossed borders and continents. Today, it’s celebrated not just in India, but in countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even Thailand—each place adding its own flair to the festivities.
At its core, Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It draws from the story of Prahlad and Holika, where faith and virtue triumph over cruelty and arrogance. The festival also honors the playful spirit of Lord Krishna, who is said to have delighted in drenching his loved ones with vibrant colors. These stories come together to make Holi a deeply symbolic celebration of renewal, joy, and community.
This year, we brought that spirit of color, joy, and unity right here to Furman. The celebration was more than just a splash of color—it was a heartfelt invitation for the campus community to come together and experience a vibrant piece of South Asian culture.
Students and faculty gathered on the lawn, tossing powdered colors into the air (and on each other!) with cheerful abandon. The entire space pulsed with energy, fueled by traditional and contemporary South Asian music that had everyone dancing, regardless of whether they knew the steps.
Of course, no celebration is complete without food—and FUASIA made sure we didn’t miss out. The event featured a delicious spread of South Asian cuisine, from savory samosas to spicy chaat that left everyone asking for seconds. It was a full sensory experience that left us all feeling full—in both stomach and spirit.
For many South Asian students on campus, Holi offered a taste of home and a chance to share a piece of their heritage. For others, it was an eye-opening cultural exchange and a joyful break from the usual routine. “It’s about togetherness, about forgetting differences and celebrating life,” said Sastika Bhandari, her shirt now a tie-dye of Holi colors.
Even those unfamiliar with the tradition found themselves drawn in. “I didn’t really know much about Holi before coming, but it was one of the most fun, welcoming events I’ve ever been to,” said Aranthxa Prera , a sophomore from Guatemala. “There was so much energy and joy—it was impossible not to smile the whole time.”
Reflecting on the experience, the event’s lead organizer Mridul Agarwal shared, “Bringing Holi to Furman was honestly such a fun and fulfilling experience. Seeing everyone laughing, dancing, and embracing the chaos of colors—it made all the planning worth it. But I won’t lie, it was also hectic! Coordinating vendors, managing last-minute changes, and making sure we stayed true to the cultural essence—it was a lot. Still, moments like this remind you why it’s important to create space for celebration and connection.”
FUASIA’s efforts not only made this celebration possible but reminded us of how meaningful it is to create spaces where different cultures are recognized and celebrated. Holi wasn’t just about color; it was about connection.
