A week of events marking the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring is coming to the city
Fancy a paint fight? Signifying the triumph of good over evil, Holi is a Hindi holiday that celebrates the love between Radha and Lord Krishna. Traditionally a two-day celebration in India, it’s celebrated differently worldwide but almost always includes a colourful paint fight. In London, over a week’s worth of festivities are taking place, with events ranging from traditional dancing in the colours to enjoying classic Holi dishes – here’s how to get involved.
House of Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen
For the seventh year, Cinnamon Kitchen City is hosting the House of Holi pop-up. For £15 per adult and £10 for children, shower yourself in a rainbow of colours for 30 minutes in the pod designed for the paint dust fight. The colour fight happens once daily throughout the 10-day pop-up and for an extra £10, add a cocktail to sip when the dust settles. On Wed 20th of March, enjoy a five-course Holi Supper Club meal by Executive Chef Vivek Singh and Head Chef Raju Ramachandran for £60 per person.
Fri 15th – Mon 25th March 2024
9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YL
cinnamon-kitchen.com
Kanishka
From Sat 23rd to Mon 25th of March, enjoy a traditional Holi meal at Kanishka. For £45 per person, eat a four-course meal from a special limited-time menu.
Sat 23rd – Mon 25th March 2024
17-19 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2QH
kanishkarestaurant.co.uk
Babur
Finalist in the 2023 series of BBC MasterChef, Anurag Aggarwal, is cheffing it up at one of London’s top Indian restaurants to create an unforgettable Holi dining experience. The five-course tasting menu will use each course to signify a different colour. Each dish is served with a wine expertly matched to it. A festival atmosphere will follow with live performances from Bollywood Vibes dance group and more. Tickets for Babur’s Holi event are £70 per person and tables can be reserved for £10 per person.
Monday 25th March 2024
119 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, London SE23 1JP
babur.info
London Holi Festival
Up to 1500 ravers will gather for London’s Biggest Holi Colours Festival. The eight hours of activities include organic Holi colours, Bollywood and Indian-style DJs and performers, along with lots of drinks and food. Ticket prices for the 18+ event start at £15 for entrance and a packet of colour. DJs and performers that have been announced include AJWAVY, DJ HARP and DJ TRUX.
Sat 23rd March 2024
123 Every Street, London EC1 2WT
fatsoma.com
Fatt Pundit
This Indo-Chinese restaurant is revamping momo dumplings with colourful twist. Using beetroot, spinach and saffron, the normally white steamed Nepalese dumplings become full of colour. Filling options are chicken, beef, kid goat or vegetables. They can be enjoyed at the bar or as a starter for dinner.
Fri 22nd – Fri 29th March 2024
Fatt Pundit Soho and Fatt Pundit Covent Garden
fattpundit.co.uk
Gunpowder’s India Club
Experience food from Vrindavan, a city in India known as the city of love, at Gunpowder’s India Club. The menu is full of colourful dishes including the likes of Subz Handi Korma, Mathura Ram Ladoo and Bhalle Papadi Chaat with Potato Sev. Book a table at Gunpowder Soho or Gunpowder Tower Bridge to try the celebratory menu, available for just one day only.
Sun 24th March 2024
Gunpowder Soho & Gunpowder Tower Bridge
gunpowderrestaurants.com