Holi Moli: UNC’s largest student-run event takes on the Festival of Colors

Article written by Sarayu Yenumula | April 2024

Holi, known as the Hindu festival of colors, embodies the spirit of love, spring and unity. It's a vibrant celebration that transcends borders, with people all around the globe participating in throwing colored powders and water. This festival offers a unique opportunity for everyone to set aside their differences and come together in joyous harmony. Traditionally observed on the last full moon of the lunar month Phalguna, Holi symbolizes the transition from winter to spring and the eternal battle between good and evil.

The historical roots of Holi are steeped in ancient legends, with two main narratives capturing its essence. One recounts the tale of Hiranyakashipu, a demon king whose quest to destroy his devout son, Prahlada, backfires. In a plot involving a fire-immune cloak, it's Prahlada who emerges unscathed, while his aunt Holika, who had conspired to kill him, perishes in the flames. This dramatic victory of good over evil is commemorated the night before Holi with the lighting of bonfires across many Hindu locales.

The festival is also linked to the endearing love story of Radha and Krishna. The story goes that Krishna, a divine avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, was self-conscious about his appearance compared to Radha. In a playful gesture, he colored Radha's face, making both their faces look equally colorful and setting the stage for the use of colors during Holi.

Regardless of which story resonates with you, the core message of Holi remains the same: it's a time for joy, community and the renewal of friendships. It's a global celebration that connects individuals with their heritage, fostering multiculturalism and diversity.

A testament to its universal appeal, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm around the world. Every year, UNC Chapel Hill hosts "Holi Moli," Carolina’s largest student-run event. This year, the vibrant event was scheduled for April 6, aimed at promoting cultural appreciation among students. This event was a wonderful way for Chapel Hill students to engage with their cultural roots and embrace the diversity that enriches their campus. Holi Moli shows South Asian American culture being spread and represented across the UNC campus.

According to the Holi Moli website, Holi was first celebrated on UNC’s campus in 2008 by Hindu Yuva as an event for its members. In 2009, the UNC Campus Y began to collaborate with Hindu Yuva to make it a campus-wide event. Over time, the event has evolved into its own entity as UNC Holi Moli, one of the most wide-reaching student-run organizations at the University.

Sreya Boggarappu, an executive member of the Holi Moli logistical team, said, “My favorite part of Holi Moli is its ability to attract an incredibly diverse group of people from all over the campus, providing us with the opportunity to display the rich beauty of South Asian cultures.”

Saadhvi Mamidi, an executive member of the Holi Moli cultural team, said, “My favorite part of Holi Moli is the moment where everyone throws their color in the air — all our work throughout the year is worth it in that moment. I also love that we’re able to donate a significant amount to organizations that the whole team is passionate about. I feel that we’re making an impact on the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and The Desai Foundation, our chosen orgs this year.”

This year, Holi Moli witnessed an impressive increase in sales, reaching approximately 1,600 attendees and generating around $30,000 in revenue. Over $8,000 of this will likely be channeled to charitable causes. This marks a significant achievement, surpassing last year's sales total of 1,400.

Don't miss out on getting involved in this colorful celebration. If you're intrigued and wish to learn more, be sure to checkout their website by clicking here:

Thank you to UNC Holi Moli for organizing this exciting and fun event every year.

See more pictures from this event here:

Photos shared by UNC Holi Moli, 2024.