Writer: Bharti Ratra, Delhi, India

Editor: Pooja Vishwanathan, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most beautiful and cherished festivals. It symbolizes togetherness, joy, and the triumph of good over evil, bringing family and friends together to set aside their differences and share happiness and positivity through colors and sweet treats. On Holi, colors play a significant role, but traditional Indian sweets are equally important. People prepare gujiyas and namkeens as delicious dishes, while thandai adds a delightful burst of flavor. Additionally, music and dance are essential to fully experience the spirit of this colorful festival.

But this year, Holi became even more memorable and pleasant as we shared a unique cultural exchange between Indian tradition and Korean culture, which introduced us to Obangsaek (오방색), a traditional Korean color philosophy.

Korean Culture Centre India organized a colorful event of Holi celebrations on 11th March at KCCI from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The event was splendid and exciting, as people thoroughly enjoyed every single moment, from dancing to trying the Korean traditional dress Hanbok (한복).  Before this, no one knew about Obangsaek, but because of KCCI’s efforts, people learned about how similar it is to Holi. The use of color in both Korean and Indian culture has deep meaning and emotion. That eagerness to learn about new cultures and traditions made this event worth everyone’s time and effort. This shows how festivals have the power to unite people from all over the world. It was mesmerizing to see bright and beautiful colors fill the air, symbolizing delight and harmony.

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A Celebration to Remember

From the very start, the event radiated positive energy, happiness, and excitement. Everyone was full of enthusiasm to celebrate, throwing colors and dancing on stage. The experience was incredibly joyful and heartwarming, witnessing so many people eager to honor Holi. It was not just about enjoyment, it held profound significance in sharing and embracing diverse cultures. This celebration provided a valuable learning experience for all, encouraging exploration and appreciation of different traditions.

One of KCCI’s students, Kirti Kaushik, shared how everyone was so excited and amazed to learn about Obangsaek’s color theory.

That’s how this theory represents five important colours which include yellow, blue, black, red, and white. Each color symbolizes different elements, directions, and strengths. The connection and meaning behind these colors and Holi made this event more meaningful for us, as everyone recognized how they play a crucial role in both Korean and Indian culture. The culture learning added a special moment to this event and made this experience even more memorable which will stay with me for a very long time.

An Enjoyable Experience

The event was not just about colors and music, it was about unity and happiness. One of the best and heartwarming things was to see Korean teachers and staff enjoying Holi more than the students. Their enthusiasm and energy made it even more joyful and pleasing. Kirti felt proud as an Indian that our Indian festivals and cultures are so welcoming and full of warmth that people from different backgrounds are adopting and embracing them very easily with love, fervor, and happiness.

Watching everyone enjoying and roaming around applying colours and dancing freely without any worries was a reminder that every festival breaks barriers and brings everyone closer. The entire event was filled with happiness, cheerfulness, and fascinating moments that showcased the entire energy and spirit of Holi.

A Vibrant and Sparkling Atmosphere

The Holi celebration was so good that everywhere there were bright and sparking colors-on faces, clothes and even in the air. The atmosphere was changed into a beautiful canvas, which made everyone feel magical. 

The teachers were the most excited and enthusiastic participants in the event. They made this celebration more joyful and exciting for others. Their involvement in the event was so heartwarming and inspiring that they also played with a lot of Holi colors, and danced to famous Bollywood songs like Rang Barse, Balam Pichkari, and Badri Ki Dulhaniya. And this event was more like a family celebration. Their involvement truly added joy and happiness to this festivity and the color-coded atmosphere.

Celebrating Indian Culture

One of the best and most rewarding aspects of the event was watching how much foreigners love and appreciate our Indian culture. It was truly wonderful to witness them learn and involve themselves in Indian customs and traditions, enjoying every moment from music to dance as much as we did. 

– Ms. Kirti Kaushik

The warmth of Korean teachers and students shows how the festival can go beyond cultural boundaries. It was so good to see that people from foreign countries love to learn and embrace different cultures with open hearts.

Korean Teacher’s Enthusiasm

A special moment of the event was when Kirti also shared how her Korean teacher, Ms. Yuna (윤아 선생님), embraced the spirit of Holi with joy and happiness. She was equally excited to participate and engage in the festivities of Holi with her students.

She didn’t stand in the corner; instead, she actively joined in applying colours to students and sharing the excitement and joy of holi. Seeing her that happy was so heartwarming. It was wonderful to see how she appreciated the energy and happiness of this festival, making it loud and clear that the vibe is truly enchanting and magical.

The Meaning Behind Obangsaek

One of the most informative moments of the event was learning about Obangsaek, the traditional Korean color theory. Students explored five primary colors: yellow, blue, black, red, and white, each reflecting distinct meanings linked to direction, elements, and strength.

• Red: Symbolizes passion, energy, and dignity.
• Yellow: Represents the center, embodying unity and balance.
• Blue, Black, and White: They represent their connection with nature, direction, and spiritual beliefs.

It was great to learn about how colour symbolizes an important part of both Indian and Korean culture. This makes us feel more connected toward each other and to know how we often share similar roots and meaning.

Unity In Diversity

The Holi festival was more than just a gathering; it was a cultural connection between Korea and India. It showcased the power of festivals and the spirit of togetherness that transcends national boundaries. Through color, music, and dance, we not only enjoyed the festivities but also strengthened our emotional bonds. The event was mesmerizing and beautifully showed how cultural exchange brings people closer. It was filled with happiness and vibrant tradition and made us learn once again that festivals like Holi are universal and can be enjoyed anywhere and with anyone.

It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, creating lasting memories and connections that made this event truly remarkable. The energy in the atmosphere was palpable, filled with laughter and camaraderie, which deepened the sense of community among attendees. As stories were shared and new friendships formed, it became clear that this event would be cherished for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated.

Did you attend this event? Tell us about your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.