We held a proper Holi party at Village Underground in Shoreditch on Sunday 24th March 2013.
It was a glorious, exuberant, colourful, joy-filled mess. Everyone from the tiniest little children to the most elderly aunty-jis had a fantastic time.
Over 300 of you showed up to our (sold-out!) party to see our master storyteller Vayu Naidu weave her magic. She told us how Holi breaks down barriers and brings people together, regardless of background, religion or social status. At its heart, this lovely, barmy festival is a chance to forgive past transgressions and extend the hand of peace.
Then the moment arrived – and we released almost 70kg of gulal (coloured powder) into the waiting crowd.
It went a little wild. We danced, and threw powder, and burst balloons full of gulal over each others’ heads, and chuckled at how barmy we all looked. It was magical.
Watch the video, and see for yourself. And if you like the look of our Holi party – do come and celebrate with us in 2014.
Vaisakhi, a day marked across India by people of many faiths, is celebrated in the Punjab as the start of the new Harvest. It falls on the 13th or 14th April depending on the calendar for that year.
Spring has gently tiptoed in. As the days lengthen and the sun grows bolder, here’s a glimpse of what we eagerly await in April.
We’re turning page after page of Ayesha Erkin’s recipe book Date of the Day, featuring 30+ recipes for the modest date – timely for breaking fast and after. Our dear friend Ayesha has now kindly shared a recipe for you to make at home. Try it this Iftar or any time you need a salty-spiced sticky treat.
The holy month of Ramadan is upon us, when Muslims around the world fast daily from dawn till dusk. It is a time of private worship and spiritual discipline, but also of shared joy and abundant feasting. Families and communities come together at suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and at iftar, the evening meal, to break their fasts with copious, delicious dishes. Join us on 7th April for our own Iftar celebration – for an evening of feasting and live music.