Holi Hai! On March 8, let’s celebrate the Festival of Colours!

Each year, Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours,” is celebrated throughout India and in Indian communities abroad. This Hindu religious festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated during the full moon in the month of Phalguna, which is in February and March. On the day of Holi, which takes place on March 8 this year, people throw coloured powder at each other. The pigments have a precise meaning: green for harmony, orange for optimism, blue for vitality and red for joy and love.

Here in Canada, families and friends will gather to share meals, sing, dance and paint each other in bright colours for this festival. According to the 2021 Census of Population, the proportion of Canada’s population who reported being Hindu has more than doubled in 20 years. The highest proportion of Hindus (4.1%) was observed in Ontario. Close to 830,000 people, or 2.3% of the total population, reported an affiliation to Hinduism.

What’s more, “Indian (from India)” (1.3 million) was among the most commonly reported ethnic or cultural origins. Also, some immigrants admitted from 2011 to 2021 reported a non-Christian religion, with Hinduism standing at 9.0%.

“Holi Hai!” to all Canadians of Hindu faith who contribute to enriching the country’s ethnocultural and religious diversity. For more information, consult this table.