Holi, the colourful festival, unites students of different universities across the globe as they enjoyed the day with music, dance, and cultural celebrations. Students in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada united themselves through student organisations and university groups to relive the essence of Holi on their campuses.

At the University of Southern California (USC), the Association of Indian Students (AIS) joined hands with the Graduate Student Government (GSG) and Ronald Tutor Campus Centre (TCC) to host a grand Holi celebration. The event drew hundreds of students in large numbers looking forward to indulging in the festive environment.

“Organising AIS Holi at USC this past Saturday was an exhilarating and fulfilling experience for our team, said Pranav Gangurde, AIS President. “As the Association of Indian Students (AIS), we had the privilege of bringing together hundreds of students to celebrate the festival of colours, culture, and community.”

The Vice President, Shantanu Godbole, seconded the feeling, pointing out the effort that had gone into organising the event. “From coordinating logistics to ensuring a seamless execution, the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We planned vibrant colour throws, energetic Bollywood music, and delicious Indian snacks, creating an atmosphere that felt like home for many international students. Seeing attendees—both Indian and non-Indian—come together, dance, and embrace the joy of Holi was incredibly rewarding.”

He further added, "Beyond the colours and music, the event reinforced the importance of cultural representation on campus. It was heartening to see so many people engage with and appreciate our traditions. Moments like these remind us why we are passionate about AIS—fostering inclusivity and bringing people together. Holi at USC wasn’t just a celebration; it was a shared experience of joy, belonging, and the spirit of togetherness that defines our community.”

Holi celebrations extend beyond USC

USC was not alone in adopting the festival. The University of Michigan-Dearborn also held its Holi Utsav 2025 for its Indian students, while Grand Valley State University had a Holi celebration on its Allendale campus.

Durham University in the UK celebrated with a Holi festival at the Oriental Museum on March 15. The event, organised jointly by the Oriental Museum and the Durham University Hindu Society, was graced by students and teachers, in celebration of cultural diversity on campus.

Canada joined the celebration too, as Algonquin College's Students' Association and International Education Centre hosted a Holi party on March 14 on its Ottawa campus. The celebration brought students together regardless of background to join in on the celebratory festival.

While some universities have already had their celebrations, others are preparing for their Holi celebrations. The University of San Diego will be celebrating on March 19, and Royal Roads University will celebrate on March 20, 2025. This year, Royal Roads is having a special 'Scribble Day' theme where students can scribble messages and draw on one another's white T-shirts with colourful Sharpies, making memories that will last a lifetime. In addition, students will be able to paint mini canvas boards to bring home as mementoes.

With the world's universities adopting Holi, the festival has indeed become a gesture of cultural oneness and coexistence, unifying people in the universal language of colours and happiness.