Anyone who has spent time in India during Holi has witnessed or experienced being splashed with a kaleidoscope of colours. In this spring festival, people of all ages celebrate the victory of goodness over evil. Part of the fun involves pasting one another with brilliant powders known as gulal or abir, which are often mixed with water. It’s joyous and visually psychedelic.
On March 29, the equivalent Vancouver celebration will take place at UBC’s B4 parking lot (6365 Agronomy Road) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. That’s when Snakes & Ladders, Tamasha, and UTSAV (UBC Indian Students Association) will present Sound Meets Colour: HOLI 2025, headlined by Canadian rapper, producer, and singer-songwriter Tesher.
The Regina-born musician is best known for his 2020 song “Jalebi Baby”, which hit Number 1 on the U.K. Asian Music Chart and attracted more than 100 million streams. Tesher also had a Number 1 hit on the same chart for “Young Shahrukh”, which featured a beat drawing upon the soundrack from the 2001 Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Hakhie Gham.
A younger Shahrukh Khan was part of a star-studded ensemble cast in this Karan Johar-directed and Yash Chopra-produced classic. It also included Shahrukh’s repeated movie love interest, Kajol, as well as Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, and Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.
Watch the official music video for “Jalebi Baby”.
Holi fest includes DJs, food trucks, and LED wall
In addition to Tesher, Sound Meets Colour: HOLI 2025 will feature several DJs. They include Hark, Kokaheena, Raytrix, and Sabzi & Shalv.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Holi festival without some gulal and abir. So, attendees should expect some colour-throwing madness and dress accordingly, ideally in white. You don’t want to wear your most precious suit on Holi.
In addition to the colours, the festival will also welcome local food trucks. Plus, it will have a massive LED wall and expect lots of dancing.
Tickets are $47 and are available through Showpass. They’re also available through the Tamasha website.
Coldplay’s music video for “Hymn for the Weekend” included scenes from Holi in India.
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