Holi 2026: Hundreds celebrate in colour across Maidenhead

Hundreds of people danced and threw colour as they celebrated Holi at events across Maidenhead at the weekend.

Also known as the Festival of Colours, Holi is a major festival in the Hindu calendar and sees people throw colourful powders, known as gulal. The occasion highlights the triumph of good over evil, marks the beginning of spring, and celebrates love, life and diversity.

Around 250 to 300 people were at IAM UK’s festivities in Oaken Grove Park on Saturday.

Dhol drummers and a DJ kept the party going.

Mojo, a new restaurant looking to come to Maidenhead soon, was serving up food, and guests could also enjoy cake from Cakes & Bakes.

Attendees watched on as a ‘flashmob’ of dancers performed.

Royal Borough deputy mayor Sian Martin also attended.

“[It has been] absolutely fantastic,” IAM UK committee member Sandeep Dewan, said.

“Everybody is enjoying, dancing, drinking. It’s a beautiful day.”

Vinod Purohit, also a committee member, said: “It’s growing every year and I think that’s serving our purpose of what we wanted to do with the community.

Vinod also emphasised the organiser’s aim of inclusion.

“It’s not all about us, it’s about other people who are coming and celebrating with us,” Vinod added.

“It’s about what we can contribute. We can contribute this, everybody can come and enjoy, that’s the main purpose.”

On Sunday morning, Holi celebrations continued as the Maidenhead Hindu Youth Group held a ‘vibrant display of cultural unity and harmony’ in Braywick Park.

The group, also known as Aumkaar Parivar Shakha, a branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK (HSS UK), welcomed more than 200 people to the celebrations.

Despite the cloudy weather people’s ‘joy, enthusiasm and festive spirit filled the air’, said Mahendra Mistry, secretary of the HSS Maidenhead branch.

The event kicked off with an explanation of the significance of Holi, presented by children from the youth group.

Guests covered each other in organic colours, enjoyed plenty of music and exchanged wishes.

The event also featured ‘energising’ warm-up sessions and ‘fun-filled’ games. The traditional songs and dances ‘enriched the atmosphere’, producing ‘unforgettable memories for everyone involved’.

The festivities concluded with a lunch featuring traditional vegetarian dishes prepared by volunteers from a variety of regions of India (Bharat).

Mahendra added: “More than a celebration, the Holi event served as a platform for building connections and strengthening bonds among individuals of diverse backgrounds.

“It reflected the spirit of inclusivity and harmony at the core of HSS UK’s mission.”