Explosion of colour set for weekend

Dubai Revellers are gearing up for a colourful weekend as the Indian community celebrates Holi over the next two days.

Bollywood stars and popular DJs are expected in town with events planned across different parts of the country and residents are stocking up on colour powders, squirt guns and sprays in anticipation of fun-filled parties.

While many private parties have already begun, a few big events like Rang De and Holi Beach Party are where most revellers will be making a beeline to.

The Holi Beach Party, which is being held at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, is expected to attract at least 6,000 people.

"We have people coming from as far as Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia for our beach party. We have created an atmosphere where anybody can enjoy, including children and it is open [to] all nationalities," said Uttam Kumar, managing director of Tamquest Entertainment, the organisers of the event. A host of celebrity DJs, including DJ Lijo, DJ Hani, DJ Benson, DJ Blaze, DJ Uttam, DJ Vimal, RJ/DJ Harsha and RJ/DJ Deep are expected to rock the Beach Party.

Rang De (colour me) which is known to attract big crowds over the last seven years, is expected to be graced by actress Mahima Chowdhry, DJ Kamya, DJ Shadow and Lil'D.

"We try to recreate the magic of Holi the way it is celebrated in India, and we have been successful for the last seven years. We were the first to celebrate Holi in such large scale in Dubai, as earlier it was only celebrated privately by different families," said Rajesh Lilaramani, the organiser of Rang De, which is being held at Wonder Land, Dubai.

Get your tickets

Colours and squirt guns can be bought from inside the premises and no outside items are allowed at both the venues.

Tickets for the Holi Beach Party, which will run from 10am to 5pm, are priced at Dh100 for a family (a couple and two children below 12 years), Dh75 for couple while single tickets are retailing at Dh60.

At Rang De, the ticket for family of four comes in at Dh175, single-person tickets at Dh50 while children below five enter free. The event will be open from 10am to 6pm.

Indian supermarkets such as Choithram, Al Adil and Al Maya are doing brisk business selling colour powders, sweets and related items residents brace for a cool splash.

"We have stocked up with colours and squirt guns and we are organising a small party with close family and friends at our own backyard," Leela Sharma, who lives at a villa in Jumeirah, where she is planning a party.

Holi is a Hindu festival, celebrated with great fervour mostly in northern India since time immemorial to celebrate the colours of life.