This year’s Holi Mela and Indian Dances Contest slated for March 30 at the MAI’s Palace of Culture in Moscow

The event will take place at the MAI’s Palace of Culture, which will also serve as the venue for hosting the finals of the 7th All-Russia Indian National Dances Contest on the same day. 

The Holi Mela event will kickoff at 12:00, while the Dances Contest will begin at 14:30.

The Holi Mela festival has been considered to be one of the holiest, most joyful and colorful traditional events in India from immemorial times. According to ancient Hindu tradition, smearing one another with all the colors of the rainbow symbolizes joy and unity with nature; it is a symbol of happiness, luck and prosperity. In Russia, the festival will be honored by famous Russian artists and representatives of show business.

Commenting on this year's Holi Mela and the All-Russia Indian National Dances Contest, Sammy Kotwani, the CEO of Imperial Tailoring Co., who also doubles as the president of the IBA and chairman of the festival's Organizing Committee, noted that the goal of hosting these events in Moscow is to bring together both Russians and Indians in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

“A major highlight of the Holi Mela festival will be the Indian Dances Contest featuring the best dancers from Russian cities and CIS countries. Gracing the events will be Bollywood stars and Russian celebrities, who will add additional flavors to the events' programs lineup."

Other extracurricular programs marking the Holi Mela festival will include an Indian goods fair, showcasing cuisine, oriental sweets and spices, live music and dancing as well as special entertainment programs for kids and adults, according to the events organizers. 

“We hope the events will leave our visitors with unforgettable memories,” Kotwani said on behalf of the Organizing Committee. 

The main organizers of this year’s events also include the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center (JNCC) of the Indian Embassy in Russia, amongst others.