Saint Louis University Celebrates Holi with a Vibrant Display of Culture and Diversity
03/07/2023
Students from diverse cultures and races gathered on the quad Sunday afternoon to celebrate Holi — a Hindu festival of colors.
The event, organized by Saint Louis University's Office of International Services, drew a large crowd. Participants tossed bright-colored powder colors called gulal in the air and at one another while dancing vibrantly to Bollywood music and eating Indian delicacies such as chili chicken, chicken Biryani, Gulab Jamun and others.
A large group of students gathered on the DuBourg Hall quad on Sunday, March 5, for
a Holi celebration. Holi is a Hindu festival of colors. The event was organized by
the Office of International Services. Photo by Cristina Fletes.
The Holi festival at Saint Louis University showcased cultural diversity and celebrated the cultural heritage of SLU's ever-growing international student community. The event was a colorful opportunity for members of the University community to come together to celebrate the diversity of SLU.
"Having so many people dance to the songs I grew up dancing to was one of the best feelings ever and reminded me of home,” said Alekyha Dhanraj, an information systems student from Hyderabad, India. “Back in India, Holi was always a memorable celebration of unity, and having to celebrate that here at SLU was quite emotional for me. I enjoyed it to the core."
The "dress to mess" theme infused fun and enthusiasm as Billikens greeted each other with "Happy Holi" while splashing colors and creating a mess with various colors. At the same time, DJ Aleesh played hit Bollywood music as the crowd went wild .
Saint Louis University celebrates diversity with various programs and events that foster relationships and drive inclusion, said Rebeca Bahan, SLU's director of international services.
"We want our students to feel like SLU is a home away from home and that they can celebrate their culture and have a taste of comfort and home here," Bahan said. "The Office of International Services has always organized activities and events celebrating different cultures. With the increase in our International student population, we can now see the impact international student growth has on the University as a whole."
Bahan said she was thrilled with the turnout.
"It was a really large event, and it was amazing to see students from diverse backgrounds, who don't celebrate Holi, come together as a community to celebrate Holi at SLU," she said.
Overall, organizers considered the cultural event a success and a reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity, and creating an inclusive environment for all students.
"This was my first Holi, and I was so happy to share in this cultural event,” said neuroscience major Natalie Landwehr from Jefferson City. “It was touching to me how open our students from India were to share it with me. I felt a connection to friends and strangers alike. Holi is a holiday that brings people together to share the collective joy."