IN PICTURES: Namaste Kingston celebrates Holi with Rangostav event
By Tilly O'Brien 9th Mar 2026
Thousands of people showed up for non-for-profit Namaste Kingston's Holi celebrations at Hollyfield School in Surbiton on Saturday (7March).
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, love, and new life and Namaste Kingston hosted the event in the form of a Rangostav, an occasion of celebrating life with various art forms and bringing a smile on children's faces, encouraging their creative potential.
This was the third consecutive year that Namaste Kingston hosted the event, and it was completely sold out.
Things kicked off at 12pm with guests being invited to browse various stalls, including food and drinks stalls, stalls selling trinkets, and a stall by Kingston Community Centre offering stick-on tattoos and various games with all money raised going to help build a temple in Kingston.
Among the food and drinks stalls was the Park Brewery, Hathi Spiced Rum, and stalls selling Indian street food – I tried a Samosa Chat from Tiffins Vala, and it was absolutely delicious.
Moreover, a candy floss stall was handing out free candy floss to all attendees.
At 1pm, the main event began with the event's host along with Kingston's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sue Ansari setting a small bonfire for the Holika Dahan.
It was after this that the colour play began.
Alongside music from DJ MK Roadshow, guests said 'happy Holi' to each other while gently rubbing colour on their faces.
During this time, there were also performances from a six-year-old dancer, an all-female dance group, and Vibhor who taught guests how to dance the Garber.
Alongside the Deputy Mayor were other dignitaries, including, Kingston's Tipstaff Mike Seygal, councillors Thay Thayalan and Elizabeth Park, and Kingston's Race equality champion, John Azah OBE.
In a speech given by Cllr Sue Ansari, the Deputy Mayor said: "I haven't been this happy since my husband and I were in India."
In another speech by the Chair of Kingston Race and Relief Forum, he said: "We need more colour, more dancing, and in this crazy world of ours, a bit more hope."
Before wrapping the event up, there was a marvellous fireworks display.
Speaking to Nub News about the event, one local resident said: "This Holi event is so good with amazing food and it's so fun getting together to celebrate Holi with my friends.
"It's my first Holi event with Namaste Kingston and I've loved every second of it."
It really was an amazing day with lots of colour, smiles, and dancing, and I can only applaud Namaste Kingston for making it all happen.
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