Holi Celebration

Join the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Prospect Park Alliance, and Mixed Masala to celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, at Prospect Park’s Boathouse and Lincoln Road Playground! This celebration of spring involves playing with colored powders (gulal) and setting bonfires (Holika Dahan). This joyful afternoon also features live music and storytelling performances, as well as the traditional Hindu art of Rangoli.

  • 2:30 pm: Musical performance at the Boathouse
  • 3:15 pm: Bonfire, storytelling, and Rangoli artmaking at the Boathouse
  • 4:00 pm: Parade from the Boathouse to the Lincoln Road Playground
  • 4:15 pm: Powder-throwing on the playground!

RSVP and Purchase a Powder Packet

2:30 pm: Musical Performance: Indofunk Satish
The event will begin with a performance led by Indofunk Satish, a pioneering trumpeter who has brought his unique fusion of Indian classical music, jazz, and funk to a wide range of musical endeavors, leading several NYC-based ensembles and supporting acclaimed artists from Brooklyn Raga Massive to Bruce Springsteen. He is known for playing an extremely rare trumpet called “The Firebird,” which has a half-length trombone slide that allows him to play the traditional South Indian music he grew up with.

Interested in Indian classical music? The night before this event, on Saturday 3/7, tabla prodigy Vivek Pandya will give a special performance and workshop on Hindustani music at BKCM in honor of the late tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain. Learn more + purchase tickets.

3:15 pm: Holi Storytelling and Bonfire 
Join Indian dance arts educator Aeilushi Misty to learn about Holika Dahan and create intricate Rangoli patterns on ground with vibrant flower petals. We will then set a bonfire, Holika Dahan or the “burning of Holika,” which celebrates Prahlada, who is known as a saintly figure and devotee of Lord Vishnu. 

4:15 pm: Powder Throwing
A highlight of Holi is powder throwing, a joyous, centuries-old Hindu tradition where people smear and toss colored powders, known as gulal, to celebrate the arrival of spring, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. It symbolizes unity, breaking down social barriers, and showering others with love and color. Note: If you plan to take part in the powder-throwing – which we highly recommend! – you can purchase a packet for $6 via the RSVP link and pick it up at the celebration. We recommend one packet per person, and that you wear white clothing and expect to get messy! We ask that all powder throwing be kept in the playground to help contain the starch from getting into the park’s landscapes.