Holi Celebration In Newtown To Celebrate The Coming Of Spring

NEWTOWN, PA — The ancient Hindu Festival of Holi is coming to Newtown on Sunday, March 5.

Presented by Yoga Gives Back, the Festival of Colors will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Guru’s Restaurant at Sycamore and Jefferson streets.

Holi is one of India’s biggest celebrations of the year, marking the change in season from winter to summer and the triumph of good over evil.

In India and around the world revelers participate in the Holi by gathering with others in the spirit of community and playing in brightly-colored powders while soaking in music, foods and festivities that unfold around them.

The ticketed event in Newtown will feature music, a food truck, games for the kids, chalk art, yoga, dancing, and lots of socializing and cultural sharing.

But what really sets Holi apart from other festivals is the splashing of colorful powders, which represents the vibrancy of the new season ahead.

“People are invited to come anytime and join the dancing,” said Michelle El Khoury, the founder and owner of Yogamazia in Richboro who is organizing the Holi event. “We will have powders in all different colors. We'll put them out in the center and people can just splash each other.

“It’s very messy,” adds El Khoury. “It basically gets all over your hair, all over your clothes. You just shake yourself off enough to get in your car and go home. And once you take a shower it’s all out,” she said, “but it’s a lot of fun and an experience you’ll remember.

“This is all about people getting together, having fun and celebrating. Expect a party atmosphere - a party with a lot of color,” said El Khoury.

Gaurang Bhatt - Rang Photography

“Holi is one of the biggest celebrations in India. They hold it to welcome the change in seasons,” said El Khoury. “It’s being happy that we’re moving from one season of life to the next.”

Tickets are $20 per person or $60 for four. There is no charge for ages three and under. Tickets include a snack, a drink and packets of color.

Tickets can be purchased in advanced by clicking here. Early ticket purchase is encouraged as last year’s event sold out.

Proceeds will benefit Yoga Gives Back, a non-profit and charity organization specifically focused on giving back to India, especially to support the serious challenges of poverty and related social issues.

In addition to the Holi, during March Yoga Gives Back will be celebrating Woman’s History Month with a number of events.

The first - a book launch for “We Rise In Power: Amplifying Women Of Color and Our Voices” - will be held Saturday, March 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Guru’s Restaurant. The book is co-authored by El Khoury and amplifies the voices of women of color. Tickets are $75, which includes a copy of the book and dinner.

On Friday, March 24 a Ladies Night will be held at Yogamazia in Richboro. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with restorative yoga followed by dinner and self-care pampering. Tickets are $40. Proceeds benefit Yoga Gives Back.

And on March 31, Yogamazia presents Family Friday. Bring family and friends to connect and spend some quality time together in celebration of Women's History Month. Featured will be some partner yoga and family fun. All proceeds go to Yoga Gives Back

Also throughout the month of March Playa Bowls will be donating the proceeds from every Orange Power smoothie sold at its Newtown or Fairless Hills locations to Yoga Gives Back.