Holi-Festival of Colors | RC-01/25 | 2025-03-03 - 2025-03-15 | FEST,CULT,SOCI | Age: 17 - 80

RUCHI is a not for profit organisation committed to sustainable development in the hilly areas of northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India since 1983

Work: The Holi festival celebrates the onset of spring and renewal. Coming forth with the full flush of life, the invigorating air of Holi festivities spreads into the lives of people throughout the year. With an initial orientation on festivals, you will get chance to participate in our ongoing humanitarian projects addressing ground realities and needs of communities. We will be visiting communities and schools to create awareness, share experiences on culture and festivals, learning from community actions and be involved in ongoing projects. The major festival will be attended to on 8th march when you will play with colours.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will live under simple conditions and share accommodation with other volunteers. English WC will be available. Vegetarian food will be served. Sleeping bags are not required.

Location: BandhvillageSolan

Location and Leisure: The project site is Ruchi campus and the nearby Bandh village (1 km) in Solan district. It is 30 km from Kalka and 70 km from Chandigarh. The village is small with 35 families. Self organized city tours and excursions. Old Sikh and Hindu temples in the near vicinity can be visited. Nearby Kasauli town is another hill station as a tourist attraction. A visit to Shimla will offer an opportunity to see high Himalayan Mountains.

Airport: DEL

Train/Bus station: Kalka

Requirements: Any person with interest and respect for other cultures is welcome. Besides participation in camp, tey will also have opportunity to interact with local communities and small development projects. Person with disability but having mobility is allowed.

Take a direct train from Delhi to Kalka or a flight upto Chandigarh and then bus to Kalka. We pick up volunteers from Kalka railway station which is about 75 minutes from our venue by a private car.

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 230 EUR

One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar. Holi is also called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. Entire country wears a festive look when it is time for Holi celebration. During the year 2025, main Holi festival (playing with colours) falls on 14th March, though celebrations in different forms start 4 days before the main festival. Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of colors can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Womenfolk cook loads of sweet dishes for the family and also for the relatives. People light a bonfire at important crossroads, called Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil.