INDIA’S BIGGEST COLOR FESTIVAL AT SM BY THE BAY

Asia Society Philippines and SM by the Bay present the 5th annual Holi Festival on March 12, Sunday, 3:30 p.m., at SM by the Bay North Fountain.

Celebrated in India since ancient times, Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival of colors held to mark the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Uniquely characterized by the lively shades of colored powder thrown in the air (and at fellow festival-goers), the Holi Festival is Manila’s own celebration of Indian music, cuisine and culture.

“This is the fifth year that Asia Society Philippines has hosted the Holi Festival in Manila, and every year it gets bigger and bigger—starting from a crowd of hundreds in 2012 to thousands last year,” shares Suyin Lee, executive director of Asia Society Philippines. “Each year, we also see more and more Filipinos sharing in the festivities with the Indian community... the festival is a concrete and fun example of Asia Society Philippines’ mission of creating greater understanding between cultures.”

In between frenzied countdowns where colored powder, also known as gulal, is thrown, festival-goers get the opportunity to dance along to Bollywood music. Spun by Indian and local DJs, Hindi film music and signature Holi Festival music will be blasted throughout the day.

Everyone can dance to the music alongside professional dance groups that will take the stage to show off traditional moves and excerpts from Bollywood films, while drummers make their way through the crowd to keep up an energetic festival of color.

Cravings for India’s rich and flavorful cuisine will be satisfied by the many food booths featuring both restaurant-made and homemade dishes.

The Holi Festival is organized by Asia Society Philippines and SM by the Bay, in partnership with the Embassy of India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Indian Ladies Club and SingIndia Music of the Soul. It is sponsored by AirAsia, Incredible India and Wipro.

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Tickets are on sale for P200, and will also be available at the festival grounds for P250. Tickets are available at all SMTickets outlets and on smtickets.com.