I am originally from New Delhi, India, and I have lived in Southampton for the past 14 years with my husband and two children. 

Beyond my career, I am deeply passionate about community work.

Working under the banner of Hampshire Indian Community, a group we established three years ago alongside Jitender Mavi and Renu Dublish, I have been organising community cultural and social awareness events for the past seven years.

Hampshire Indian Community is a collective of like-minded individuals who are passionate about community service. Each member contributes their time and effort to support the community in meaningful ways. Our group has grown significantly, and we have an active social media presence with over 2,500 members.

Southampton is a diverse and dynamic city and because it’s also my home, it holds a special place in my heart.

To organise Holi Hungama in Southampton for 2025, we’ve had tremendous support from Go Southampton, Southampton City Council and businesses across the city who sponsored the event.

The event took place on March 9.

This was the first time Southampton had hosted a large-scale Holi celebration, and we were delighted to be able to hold it in Guildhall Square.

Visitor numbers massively exceeded our expectations – we were hoping for around 1,500 visitors but were delighted when over 2,800 people attended.

Holi Hungama Festival of Colours is a family-friendly event where everyone – regardless of age or background – is welcome to join the festivities.

The event featured delicious food stalls, Bollywood dance performances, children’s rides and, most importantly, a live DJ set by DJ Mav with the joyful tradition of colour play, which brought so much joy to the celebration.

Celebrating cultural events like Holi strengthens community bonds and allows our children to embrace their heritage while sharing it with others. When cultural traditions are celebrated inclusively, it fosters understanding and unity among different communities.

Holi is a festival of colours, joy and togetherness, celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is a time for renewal, where people come together to forgive past misunderstandings, let go of negativity and start afresh in all relationships.

Holi reminds us to move forward with love and harmony, strengthening our bonds with family, friends and the community if there are any conflicts or grievances.

It's such a joyful and liberating event – we can’t wait to host Southampton’s Holi festival again next year!