A vibrant spectacle of colour, culture, and unity unfolded at the historic Jardin d'Acclimatation on Sunday 18th of May 2025, as the Festival of Colours (Holi) brought together a record-breaking 32,000 participants in the heart of Paris. Organised by the Global Indian Organisation (GIO), this year’s celebration marked a new milestone, surpassing last year’s turnout of 30,000 and reaffirming Holi’s growing significance in France’s cultural calendar.
Supported by prominent sponsors such as Air India, Capgemini, Anju, LVMH, and the Embassy of India in France, the event painted Paris in hues of joy, inclusivity, and tradition. First launched in 2017 by GIO, the Paris Holi festival has grown exponentially in popularity, drawing not only the Indian diaspora but also enthusiastic participation from local French communities and visitors from the French overseas territories.
A highlight of the event was the spectacular showcase of music and dance performances representing the diverse states of India—from Bhangra beats of Punjab to the graceful Bharatanatyam of Tamil Nadu, and from Garba rhythms of Gujarat to the folk dances of Rajasthan and Lavani dance of Maharasthra.
These performances captivated the audience and served as a powerful reminder of India’s rich cultural tapestry. Through this vibrant display, the spirit of "Unity in Diversity" shone brightly, celebrating the shared cultural heritage and harmonious coexistence of various traditions.
This year, Holi in Paris embraced the Indian Ocean with open arms—featuring a sensational Sega-Bollywood mash-up performance by a renowned Mauritian singer, Warren Permal. This item didn’t just entertain—it celebrated the unbreakable cultural bonds between India and its extended family across the seas.
Looking ahead, GIO aims next year to bring together artists and communities from France’s overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island …), uniting the Indian diaspora from every corner under one sky of colour.
The event also resonated with the ancient Indian philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—the world is one family. In a time when global harmony is more important than ever, the festival provided a platform where people of all backgrounds came together, united by joy, music, colour, and the universal message of love and community.
The day-long celebration included a spectacular colour-throwing ceremony with several colour powder pumps, and a variety of Indian cuisine stalls, offering a complete sensory experience. Children and adults alike took part in the colour play, turning the Jardin d'Acclimatation into a canvas of celebration.
“We started this journey in March 2017 with a dream of bringing a piece of India to Paris,” said Mr Mehen Poinoosawmy, Regional President GIO Europe. “I was accompanied with late Mr Vimal Khosla and Mr Anwar Hussain, an Indian musician referred to Bollywood Maharaja in France”.
Why did we shift the Paris event in May? In March, the weather is too cold, rainy and unpredictable in Paris to celebrate Holi outdoor. It is peak springtime in May in Paris, with flowers blooming, trees fully green, and outdoor venues like the Jardin d'Acclimatation at their most beautiful under the blue skies.
This perfectly aligns with Holi’s original symbolism—a celebration of renewal, nature, and the arrival of spring. Also, the month of May offers mild, sunny, and pleasant weather, creating the perfect conditions for an outdoor, colour-filled celebration. People can comfortably enjoy music, dancing, colour play, and food without heavy coats or umbrellas.
The rising number of attendees—from 12,000 in 2017 to 32,000 in 2025—proves that the May date resonates with people. It has become a seasonal highlight in Paris’s cultural calendar, eagerly anticipated by locals and the Indian diaspora alike. Now Holi in Paris is not just a cultural event— it’s a movement of togetherness and shared joy with a huge crowd”
The other special aspect of this Holi celebration in Paris also stood out for its eco-friendly approach, where we use herbal colours and encourage sustainable practices throughout the event. In addition to the colours, the participants can indulge through the culinary diversity of India through a vibrant Indian food court.
Several restaurants and food trucks served a wide array of regional specialities- from North Indian Street food and South Indian delicacies to fusion desserts and refreshing beverages. From spicy chaats to buttery curries and sweet jalebis—every bite was a celebration!
This gastronomic experience gave attendees a literal taste of India, turning the Jardin d'Acclimatation into a multi-sensory journey through Indian culture.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came after the inspiring address by His Excellency, the Ambassador of India to France, Mr Sanjeev Singla who spoke about the cultural significance of Holi and its message of unity, peace, and shared humanity. When his heartfelt speech concluded, the atmosphere erupted into sheer joy as several cannons of colour were launched into the air with a thunderous cheer, releasing a spectacular 800 kgs of eco-friendly radiant colours into the air.
The sky filled with clouds of vibrant pinks, yellows, greens, and blues—rained down and showering participants in a breathtaking explosion of colour. At that moment, it didn’t matter where you came from—because nobody left untouched. Everyone became part of one colourful family
As the sun set over a kaleidoscope of colours, the echoes of drums, laughter, and camaraderie lingered in the air —a testament to the enduring spirit of Holi and the vibrant Indian community that continues to bring it to life in Paris.
With each passing year, this Festival of Colours continues to blossom into one of Paris’s most anticipated multicultural events, bringing the message of joy, inclusion, and global unity to life. This event not only honors the rich traditions of Indian heritage but also creates a dynamic platform for cross-cultural exchange, drawing diverse audiences together.
The Global Indian Organisation (GIO) thanks Mr Marc Antoine Jamet, President of the Jardin d'Acclimatation for this continuing collaboration which makes this historical park a dynamic cultural hub and vital meeting point in the heart of Paris.
Through its diverse programming, ranging from family-friendly amusements to international festivals, Jardin d’Acclimatation continues to foster deeper connections among the people through the universal language of color, music, and celebration.
