With the Holi celebrations sweeping across the country this weekend, the Hindu festival of colour has brought in the revelry to the UAE. From headline acts featuring Bollywood stars Diljit Dosanjh and Mika Singh to fun carnivals for the whole family, Gulf News tabloid! picks the best gigs around on March 2:
Diljit Dosanjh – Holi Hungama 2018
The Bollywood actor-singer will be headlining the Holi festivities at JA Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre Dubai. Fresh off his recent film, Welcome to New York, Dosanjh is bound to get into the Punjabi groove with songs from the Bollywood venture, along with his hit tracks such as 5 Tara, Veer Vaar and more.
Music also by DJs Asef, AMB, Kips and Praveen Nair, along with a live performances by the Pure Bhangra band, Braj Holi and dhol (Indian drum) players.
Naturally, a VIP section, a kids play area, food stalls and organic colours are also promised.
Timings: 11am to 5pm.
Cost: Tickets from Dh80. Free for ages five and below. Available online.
Mika Singh Holi Bash
Those looking for a mess-free affair this Holi, yet yearn to be part of the festivities, then this dry (no colours and water guns) event is for you.
Mika Singh will headline this Holi bash at the Five Palm Jumeirah, accompanied by singer Navraj Hans. Expect crazy energy — the kind that only Singh brings — along with some heady Punjabi tunes. Think Hawa Hawa, Aaj Ki Party, Jumme Ki Raat and other similar songs to come out of Singh’s track list.
Meanwhile, relative new kid on the block Hans could perhaps croon tracks of his famous father and father-in-law, namely Hans Raaj Hans and Daler Mehndi, respectively. Junior Hans is an actor as well — you may remember him from 2015’s Punjabian Da King.
The event will be held at the Vista Ballroom at Five Palm Jumeirah, with support act by Raaga Factory.
Timings: From 8pm to 1am.
Cost: Dh500 per person, including food and two select beverages.
Sukhbir, Jonita Gandhi at Bollywood Parks
Holi at a theme park sounds like a fun way to spend the festival. Especially when Sukhbir and Jonita Gandhi are expected to perform live at the event. Head over Bollywood Parks Dubai, at Dubai Parks and Resorts, and take in the festivities followed by some film-themed rides. An after-party is also in place at the venue.
Timings: From 11am to 6pm.
Cost: Dh95 for GCC residents, Dh175 for regular non-residents.
Rang De with Raftaar, Pav Dharia, Knox Artiste and Bally Sagoo
The annual event at Wonderland Theme and Water Park returns with headliners Raftaar, Pav Dharia, Knox Artiste and Bally Sagoo. Also, music by DJs Buddha, Manne, Candy G and Chirag.
Raftaar is sure to infuse energy into the outdoor event with his hit tracks such as All Black and Tamanche Pe Disco, while those looking for a blast from the past can hope Sagoo heads back to the ‘90s when gave the world hits such as Mera Laung Kawacha, Choli Ke Peeche remix and more.
Timings: 10am to 6pm.
Cost: From Dh55.
Aks Colour Carnival
A day out for the family, the Aks Colour Carnival returns with live performances by Rooh, dhol players, carnival acts and DJs. Kids play area for little ones as well. The Rugby Part at Dubai Sports City will also make space for food trucks to set the mood.
Timings: 11am to 6pm.
Cost: From Dh69; free for kids under four.
Holi Hai Dubai
The folks behind the International Kite Festival and Konkan Mela (fair) return with Holi Hai Dubai at Al Mamzar Beach Park (Beach No 1). Entertainment by dhol players, Rangla Punjab, along with a DJ set by Tash, Giga, AJ and Jan Scopper.
Holi colours will be made available at the venue, with organisers stating packets bought outside, along with food and beverages purchased off-premises will not be allowed.
Timings: 10am to 6pm.
Cost: Dh25 (inclusive of park entry).
Holi Beach Party
This is being touted as the longest Holi party, running for 12 hours at the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, with known faces including DJs Benson, Sukhi, Madmax and the rest taking to the decks. Other live performances also lined up.
Timings: From 10am to 10pm.
Cost: From Dh75
Ras Al Khaimah
Water and Colour Beach Party
Nope, all the fun isn’t limited to Dubai. Head over to the Bin Majid Beach Hotel, armed with colours, water guns, high energy music and street food for this Ras Al Khaimah Holi rain dance.
Timings: From 2pm to 8pm.
Cost: Dh75 per person; kids below 12 go free.
