Flying Colours! How US, Japan and other embassies celebrated Holi

Hindus across the world are celebrating the festival of colours, Holi. Accompanied by dance and music, the joyous occasion sees people playing with vibrant colours and enjoying mouthwatering delicacies.

The embassies of different countries in India and their Indian counterparts also participated in the festival of colours. From Japan to the United States, ambassadors in India welcomed Holi with much fervour and vitality.

Here’s how embassies rang in the festival of colours.

US Embassy in India

The US Embassy in India shared a video on X showing women, men and children embracing the spirit of the festival by playing with coloured powders (gulal). Extending Holi greetings, the post also hailed India and the US’ friendship.

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“From vibrant colors to infectious laughter echoing through the grounds, the Holi celebration at our Embassy was quite some fun! But the fun doesn’t stop here! Let’s keep the Holi spirit alive all year round. Here’s to greater friendship, and more unforgettable moments together in #USIndiaDosti!”

होली है! From vibrant colors to infectious laughter echoing through the grounds, the Holi celebration at our Embassy was quite some fun! But the fun doesn't stop here! Let's keep the Holi spirit alive all year round. Here's to greater friendship, and more unforgettable moments… pic.twitter.com/zCLTtuqRVo

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) March 25, 2024

In a video message, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, wished everyone a “very happy Holi”. He added an American twist to gujias, a must-have deep-fried sweet pastry on Holis.

“I want to wish everybody a very happy Holi. We have this amazing gujiyas, which has a little bit of an American twist with some pistachios in here, beautiful rose water. There’s no better way than to celebrate Holi across the Indo-Pacific together,” he said in the video.

He also mentioned this was his first Holi in India. “I’ve had vibrant Holi celebrations back in Los Angeles, but nothing beats being here in India for the festival of colors,” he wrote on X.

#HappyHoli, friends! Celebrating my first Holi in India with delicious gujiyas made of American nuts - a delightful fusion of traditions and a celebration of #USIndiaDosti! I’ve had vibrant Holi celebrations back in Los Angeles, but nothing beats being here in India for the… pic.twitter.com/LgtfkgpEUi

— U.S. Ambassador to India (@USAmbIndia) March 25, 2024

The Indian Embassy in the US shared pictures and footage of the vibrant celebrations at DuPont Circle in Washington DC.

Holi in the heart of Washington DC @DuPont circle - a joyous celebration resplendent with the colours, music and culture of India! In India, Holi marks the arrival of spring - this year, it coincides with the cherry blossoms weekend in DC! We wish all of you a Happy Holi! pic.twitter.com/2nRDV3matY

— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) March 24, 2024

Japanese embassy

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Hiroshi Suzuki, shared several posts on X commemorating Holi. In one of the videos, he and his wife, Eiko Suzuki, can be seen throwing coloured powders at each other.

Happy Holi!! pic.twitter.com/fgQQxgl9EZ

— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) March 24, 2024

Suzuki, who loves exploring India and its culture, can also seen in another video gorging on gujias and saying in Hindi “bahut accha hai (it’s very good)”.

Holi hai!!🔫
I wish your Holi is full of happiness and gujiya😉 pic.twitter.com/iOTj7Pt5s0

— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) March 24, 2024

The Japanese embassy also posted a video and pictures on X of Holi celebrations.

रंगों में है प्यार की बोली!💛💖💙
May the colours of Holi bring peace and happiness to you!✨#HappyHoli pic.twitter.com/rFI2xEuGxj

— Embassy of Japan in India (@JapaninIndia) March 24, 2024

Holi festivities at other embassies in India

Russia and Israel’s envoys to India extended Holi greetings in Hindi on X.

Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon, said he finds it “difficult to join in the joyous celebration of Holi, knowing that Israeli children, women and men are still held captive in the dark tunnels of Gaza.”

“But, a very happy Holi to our Indian family! Let us celebrate this day with prayers for the victory of good over evil,” he wrote on X in Hindi.

इस साल, मुझे होली के आनंदमय उत्सव में शामिल होना मुश्किल लग रहा है, यह जानते हुए कि इजरायली बच्चे, महिलाएं और पुरुष अभी भी गाज़ा के अंधेरे सुरंगो में बंदी बने हुए हैं।

परन्तु, हमारे भारतीय परिवार को होली की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ! आइए इस दिन को बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत के लिए… pic.twitter.com/hUW2hhpUR4

— Naor Gilon🎗️ (@NaorGilon) March 25, 2024

Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, wished a “very happy Holi”, noting that is a long weekend. “Enjoy the festival of spring & this most colorful celebration of culture & life with your loved ones!”

होली है! और लंबा वीकएंड भी😃🎉!

I wish my dear @GermanyinIndia friends & colleagues and everyone celebrating in 🇮🇳 and around the 🌍 a very happy #Holi!

Enjoy the festival of spring & this most colorful celebration of culture & life with your loved ones! pic.twitter.com/hoQf51VoCS

— Dr Philipp Ackermann (@AmbAckermann) March 25, 2024

Philip Green, the High Commissioner of Australia to India, shared a glimpse of the Holi festivities at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.

आप सभी को रंगों के त्यौहार #होली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। हमारे उच्चायोग के #होली उत्सव में एक बेजोड़ ऊर्जा और उल्लास था - लोगों ने रंगों, उत्साह और गुजिया का आनंद लिया। सुसन और मैंने बहुत अच्छा समय बिताया! कुछ झलकियाँ साझा कर रहा हूँ 👇#HappyHoli #Holi #Holi2024 @incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/g5sSTULkOr

— Philip Green OAM (@AusHCIndia) March 25, 2024

The New Zealand High Commission also posted pictures of Holi celebrations.

A colourful, vibrant and happy Holi from all of us at the New Zealand High Commission!
We are closed today. If you are a New Zealander in need of urgent assistance, please call +6499202020. pic.twitter.com/yHIIRsBnit

— NZ in India (@NZinIndia) March 25, 2024

French, Italian and Chinese embassies to India took to X to extend wishes on the festival of colours.