Holi Celebration in Surinam 2011

In Surinam or Suriname, a country located in the northern South America, the Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated in a big way. In fact, around 35-40% of the total population of Surinam are Hindus. A large number of Indians from the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have migrated to this country. Due to the presence of a large number of Indians, many Indian festivals are observed in the country. Holi, the popular Indian festival is also celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm here. The Holi Celebration in Surinam 2011 is also likely to match the celebrations of the earlier years.

Surinam Holi Celebration in 2011

Holi is mainly an Indian festival. People across the entire length and breadth of the country participate in this festival. Just as the festival is observed in India, it is celebrated with same kind of vigor in Surinam also. People come out to the streets and sprinkle dry and wet colors to others. Holika is burnt in different places on the eve of Holi. This bonfire signifies the victory of the good over evil. There is a marked similarity between the bonfire in Surinam and that in Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana. Here in Surinam also, people plant a castor oil plant much before the actual day of the Holi. On the eve of Holi, they burn the plant as Holika. Aside from these, Holi celebrations in Surinam include dance, songs and many other funny activities. Like the previous years, Holi Celebration in Surinam 2011 is likely to evoke same kind of interest and participation by the Indians residing in Surinam.

The festivities on the occasion of Holi match the celebrations in India. Through the celebrations on this festival, Indians located in Surinam, feel close to their origin. It is the time to shrug off all kinds of bad feeling and enmity to others and attend the celebrations in a peaceful way. This instills a sense of unity and togetherness among the people who attend the celebrations. Importantly, people from all the sections of the society participate in the festive celebrations. Holi Celebration in Surinam 2011 will certainly draw same kind of interest.

Holi in Surinam

• On the second day of this festival of colors, people throw colors to each other. The second day of the festival is known as Dhulheti.
• This festival marks the beginning of the spring season. This is the time when weather starts changing. During this time of the year, people are more prone to diseases such as cold and viral fever. The colored powder that are made of Neem, Haldi, Kumkum, Bilva and other herbs has huge medicinal significance and serves as protective gear to our bodies.
• Special folk songs such as the Chowtaal and Taan songs are sung during this festival.
• The temples located in Surinam wear a festive look on this occasion.
• Different kinds of Holi dishes are prepared at the houses of the Indians. Holi cuisines include gulgula, bara, bigany, mango or tamarind chutney, potato ball, phulourie, channa, ghoja, mahambhoog, Prasad, kheer or sweet rice and many more. These dishes are served at the temples where large gatherings take place.
• People visit friends and relatives houses on this day.

Last Updated on 28/01/2011