Exploring Holi: How one early years setting marked the Hindu festival of colour

Holi, the ancient Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring, colour, and the triumph of good over evil, offers early years settings valuable opportunities for sensory exploration and cultural learning. One setting shares their approach to marking this vibrant festival, demonstrating how religious and cultural celebrations can be woven into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to support children's understanding of diversity and belonging. The activities likely included exploring coloured powders (or safe alternatives), traditional music, dancing, and storytelling to help children understand the significance of the festival in Hindu culture. Such experiences contribute directly to Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) and Understanding the World, helping children recognise and respect differences whilst building their cultural capital. This approach reflects the EYFS commitment to ensuring children develop positive attitudes towards diversity and understand the wider world beyond their immediate experience.