Welcoming Spring in Color: Holi Festival Returns to Cheekwood
The annual Holi celebration returns to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens on March 28, inviting the Nashville community to welcome spring through the Indian holiday.
The fifth annual festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will transform the estate into a lively gathering featuring music, dance, art activities, and traditional cuisine. Inspired by Holi, widely known as the “Festival of Colors,” the event welcomes renewal, joy, and the changing of seasons. Many believe the celebrations are to honor the divine love between Radha and Krishna and the destruction of the demoness Holika, a female demon.
“Holi is a vibrant celebration of renewal, unity, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness,” said Sam Patel, chair of Cheekwood’s Indian Advisory Committee. He noted that the event offers the wider community an opportunity to experience Holi’s joy, color, and spirit in a welcoming environment. “At Cheekwood, we are proud to honor this cherished tradition in a setting that reflects both natural beauty and cultural connection,” said Patel.
Throughout the day, guests can experience elements of Indian culture through hands-on activities and live performances. One of the highlights of the festival is the signature color-throwing, a recreation of the iconic Holi tradition where large crowds gather on the street and throw colored powder (gulal) at each other. Each color holds symbolic meaning in Indian culture, representing themes such as love, health, and sunshine. During the scheduled celebrations, participants will gather on the Arboretum Lawn to toss clouds of brightly colored powder into the air, experiencing a part of the holiday that has been celebrated for thousands of years.
Visitors will also have the chance to explore the ancient art of henna (mehndi), practiced across South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for thousands of years. Patterns are drawn on bare skin with a paste made from henna leaves, which stains the skin and creates a temporary pattern. Artists will offer complimentary small designs and custom tattoos for purchase, allowing guests to experience the tradition firsthand.
On top of that, interactive art stations will offer additional ways to participate, such as paper marbling inspired by Holi’s vivid color palette and decorating illustrated saris and kurta pajamas to explore traditional clothing styles. Stop by “Celebrate Peacocks” to create a one-of-a-kind paper peacock and learn more about the bird — a symbol of royalty, watchfulness, and protection.
Of course, it won’t be a Holi celebration without dance and music! DJ Srikanth will keep the energy high with a mix of Bollywood favorites, Punjabi rhythms, and global dance music. At the same time, local performers showcase a variety of Indian dance styles throughout the day.
Food trucks and vendors will offer traditional Indian dishes alongside handmade goods, clothing, jewellery, and artwork from local businesses.
Entry to Holi is free for children 2 or under. Parking is available for a $5 fee for non-members. All festival activities are included with general admission, but advanced reservations are required. For tickets and more information, visit https://cheekwood.org/calendar-events/holi-at-cheekwood/.
Official schedule of events
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Hands-On Activities
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Arts & Goods Vendors Open
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Food Vendors Open
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – DJ Performance
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – Dance Performances
10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m. – Color Throwing
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Joseph E. Morgan is a father of two, husband, teacher and recovering guitarist in Middle Tennessee.
