Students celebrate love and colour

Published on 25, March, 2024

Also known as the festival of colour, Holi marks the beginning of spring in the Hindu calendar.

As part of festivities, colour is thrown at one another, representing the love and affection that the deities Radha and Krishna have for each another.

Throwing water balloons, lighting bonfires, eating sweets and dancing to traditional folk music are all part of the holiday too.

Students joined in the festivities today (Monday 25 March) at the University of Sunderland’s City Campus with an explosion of colour.

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Gopika Sandhya Gopakumar, who studies MSc International Business Management, said: “We love this kind of celebration. Six months we have been here, and we have participated in so many events.”

MSc Cosmetic Science student, Ashwathy Pozhemmel, said: “We feel like we are back home. This is a new country, so this kind of event is much more meaningful here.”

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, opened the celebration.

He said: “It’s great to be able to support the Holi festival.

“But even more importantly, it marks a festival of love and it’s a great way of drawing together people from different religious traditions and cultures and celebrating them together in a fun way.”

Sir David added: “The University of Sunderland considers itself a highly inclusive institution.

“I think when we do events like today’s, it brings people together, they can learn a bit more about different cultures, they can take part in the festival, and actually they can have a lot of fun.

“Put that all together and I think you have the characteristics of an inclusive institution.”