A Burst of Culture: How It All Began
In 2014, a wave of heartfelt nostalgia led Dalhousie University’s Gujarati Student Association to recreate home away from home. Missing the vibrant Holi celebrations from India, they launched a campus event that would spread colour and joy across Halifax. Originally called Rang Barse, this joyous celebration became the Halifax Colour Festival in 2015—and from there, its colours only grew brighter—and bolder.
Building Community with Colour—and Courage
The festival isn’t just about throwing powder—it’s a cultural handshake between newcomers and locals. Held in early September, its timing intentionally honors fresh starts: students arriving on campus, the autumn breeze, and the city’s readiness to embrace new faces. For IFCNS, the festival became a way to “welcome all new students … with fun, excitement by celebrating this festival with locals”
Over the years, the event has drawn a vibrant, family-friendly crowd. At its heart are colourful DJ sets, energetic colour “smash” sessions, playful games, and a message of inclusiveness: Spread love and joy
A Festival Grows: Reaching Ten Years
The 2025 edition marks its 10th anniversary, an emotional landmark for organizers and attendees alike. In 2025, the festivities are set for Saturday, September 6 at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth—an open-air celebration of colour, music, and unity.
Festival details promise something for everyone:
Kids under 12 enter free
General admission is a modest $5 (includes two colour pouches)
VIP tickets at $25 come with extra colour pouches, festival sunglasses, and a commemorative T-shirt
Early birds (first 200 attendees) get bonus freebies—perfect for lighting up the day early
Safe, Sustainable, and Spectacular
The Halifax Colour Festival prides itself on its commitment to safety and the environment:
Colours are 100% biodegradable
They’re non-toxic, skin-friendly, and free from heavy metals
Each hue is ultra-smooth, moisture-free, and long-lasting—so vibrant and clean, you can dance worry-free
These choices reflect a thoughtful design—where joy doesn’t come at a cost, but through careful, responsible planning.
A Community United Through Colour
For Dolly Mirpuri, one of the event coordinators, the Colour Festival is more than fun—it’s meaningful. She explained:
The Colour Festival … spread love and joy … participants chase each other and throw coloured powder … it is an open and welcoming place where people of all ages … throw colours on friends … new acquaintances.
This inclusivity extends beyond the volunteers—they invite collaboration with city groups and institutions like Alderney Landing, the Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax Water, and community associations, especially during shared challenges like Hurricane Dorian
Reflecting on Ten Years of Joy
From its modest campus origins in 2014 to its vibrant city-wide presence in 2025, the Halifax Colour Festival has painted a legacy of unity.
Key milestones:
2014: Launched as Rang Barse by Dalhousie students
2015: Rebranded as Halifax Colour Festival with wider reach
Every September: A joyful, inclusive gathering to welcome community and students
2025: A full circle of celebration—10 years strong at Alderney Landing
Looking Ahead Through a Prism of Hope
After a decade of colour, what might the future hold? More interactive performances, expanded family zones, festival collaborations with local artists, or even travelling pop-ups to nearby towns? The path is as colorful as the event itself.
Final Thought
The Halifax Colour Festival isn’t just a throwdown—it’s a rise-up. A vibrant celebration where every hue strengthens the bonds of community, celebrates cultural roots, and lights a spark that lasts far beyond one day.
