Holi is a festival of colors and joy, and it can be celebrated in the office with enthusiasm and respect for everyone’s comfort levels. Corporates celebrate the festival in various ways, ranging from cultural programs and traditional delicacies to playing with colors and team-building activities.
The key is to ensure that the celebration is inclusive, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone. Here are some ideas for celebrating it in the office:
- Themed Office Decorations: Many corporates decorate their office with colorful rangolis, streamers, and balloons to create a festive ambiance. This can boost the morale of employees and create a fun atmosphere.
- Cultural Programs: Corporates often organize cultural programs where employees can showcase their talent, such as singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments. This can help promote cultural diversity and create a sense of community among employees.
- Traditional Delicacies: Corporates can offer traditional Holi delicacies, such as gujiya, mathri, and namak pare, to employees during the celebration. This can be a great way to promote traditional Indian cuisine and create a festive atmosphere.
- Play with Dry Colors: Instead of using wet colors, which can make a mess, use dry colors like gulal, which are easier to clean up. Encourage employees to participate in the celebration by bringing their own dry colors or providing them in the office.
- Organize a Potluck: It is also a time for feasting and enjoying sweets. Organize a potluck lunch or snack break, where everyone can bring traditional delicacies to share with their colleagues.
- Play Music and Dance: Holi is incomplete without music, and playing some upbeat Bollywood songs and dances can add to the festive mood in the office. Create a playlist of popular Holi songs and play it in the background during the celebration.
- Finger Prints on Blank Canvas: You can set up a blank white canvas with a logo of the company and have each employee sign the canvas underneath with their fingerprint using colors. Seeing their fingerprints on the canvas will give them a sense of belonging.
- Antakshari/ Poems: From Rang Barsey to Balam Pichkari, cover the different decades of filmi-Bollywood goodness in a Holi-themed Antakshari and start the office party with Holi Poems.
- Virtual Holi celebration: With remote work being the norm, organize a virtual Holi celebration where employees can participate from the comfort of their homes. This can include a virtual potluck, music, and interactive games that can be played online.
- Plan Team-building Activities: Use Holi as an opportunity to build camaraderie among team members. Plan fun team-building activities, such as playing games like tug-of-war or musical chairs, etc.
Remember, it’s important to celebrate Holi in a way that’s respectful of everyone’s comfort levels and cultural sensitivities. Some employees may not want to participate in the celebration, so it’s important to respect their preferences.
Set boundaries around the areas where the celebration will take place, and inform everyone in advance to avoid any misunderstandings. By following these tips, you can create a fun and inclusive Holi celebration at workplaces.
