Emirates celebrated a happy Holi with passengers onboard flights to and from India on the 13th and 14th March. With 167 weekly flights travelling to over seven destinations in India including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, Emirates proudly continues the airline’s enduring connection with the country which has been built over a relationship of thirty-eight years.
The stages of the festival Holi: Holika Dahan, or Choti Holi.
Holi, known as ‘the Festival of Love’ is celebrated in most parts of India. During Holi, people will gather together to forget any negative feelings towards others. It is a well-known Hindu festival, celebrated over a full day and night.
The colourful festival starts on the evening of Purnima (the full moon day in the month of Falgun). This is where the lighting of a bonfire the evening before symbolises the triumph of good over bad.
The following day is called Holi – where celebrants throw gulal or ‘Abeer’ at fellow participants. Gulal is a mix of brightly coloured powders and water. National Geographic details how each coloured powder has a different meaning: red dye symbolises love; blue represents the Hindu god Krishna and green stands for new beginnings.
Emirates celebrated onboard with Indian sweets, over 180 new movie titles and new music
New movies, albums, playlists and TV shows have been added to Emirates on-air entertainment. Movies include Bollywood classics and regional Indian movies.
Alongside the onboard meal and hit entertainment, passengers could enjoy a Kesar Gujiya – a deep fried dumpling stuffed with solidified milk and dried fruits. The enjoyable sweet was served in a colourful box, reminiscent of the colourful festival of Holi. Passengers travelling on the 14th March, in either First or Business Class, were also handed a cold Thandai, a drink made from milk and nuts flavoured with saffron and rose petals.
Emirates and Travel Radar wish you a Happy Holi!
