NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vibrant sights, sounds and colors will fill the grounds at Cheekwood
Estate & Gardens for Holi, the dynamic Indian “Festival of Spring” and the “Festival of
Colors.”
The festivities on March 23, 2024 will feature hands-on activities for all ages, tasty fare
from local food vendors, and live music and dance performances. Guests will have the
chance to celebrate the arrival of Spring while getting custom Henna tattoos and
participating in color throwing traditions. The event will occur with a backdrop of
thousands of blooming bulbs, as Cheekwood in Bloom: Belles Fleurs continues.
“As we celebrate the vibrant festival of colors, Holi, we are thrilled to host this joyous
occasion at Cheekwood,” said Sam Patel, Chair of the Cheekwood Indian Advisory
Committee, and a member of the Cheekwood Board of Trustees. “With its picturesque
surroundings and welcoming atmosphere, Cheekwood provides the perfect setting to
immerse in the spirit of unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil that Holi embodies.
We invite everyone to join us in this celebration of culture, community, and shared
happiness.”
Schedule of Events – Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Hands on Activities
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Arts & Goods Vendors Open
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Food Vendors Open
11 a.m. – 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
Activities
Color Throwing
Brightly colored powders called gulal are thrown in celebration. Every color represents
something in Indian culture ranging from love to health to the sun. Color packets are
included in the price of admission. The color powder is non-toxic and environmentally
friendly. Most of the color powder will shake or wash off, but it may discolor clothes.
Please note, no entry to the mansion is permitted after a guest has participated in color
throwing.
Henna
The art of Henna has been practiced in Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East for
over 5,000 years. The leaves of the henna plant are dried, crushed into a fine powder,
and made into a creamy paste which is applied to the skin. Guests will have the
opportunity to watch a Henna artist create custom designs and get temporary tattoos.
Celebrate Peacocks
A new activity added to this year’s festival will allow guests to learn about the
significance of the peacock in Indian culture and create their own peacock out of paper.
The peacock has played a pivotal role in Indian tradition and was named the National
Bird of India in 1963. The bird is a symbol of royalty, watchfulness and protection and
often appears in architecture, jewelry and painting.
Decorate a Sari or Kurta Pajama
Traditional Indian clothing includes a Sari, a dress worn by women, and a Kurta Pajama,
which is a loose-fitting shirt and pant worn by men. Visitors will have a chance to design
and decorate their own Sari or Kurta Pajama on paper.
Vendors
Holi will feature traditional Indian food from local food trucks. Clothing, jewelry and art
will also be available for purchase from local business owners.
Holi will be held rain or shine. All activities are included with membership or general
admission. Holi is sponsored by Nissan, supported by Asurion, and funded by
Cumberland Trust. To purchase tickets, visit https://cheekwood.org/
Middle Tennessee Daffodil Show at Cheekwood
Also on March 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and continuing on March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m., the Middle Tennessee Daffodil Society (MTDS) will host the annual Middle
Tennessee Daffodil Show at Cheekwood. The show features divisions for horticulture,
photography, floral design, as well as children’s activities. The show is held in the
Massey Auditorium of Botanic Hall and is open to the public with a ticket to the gardens
or gardens + mansion access.
Cheekwood in Bloom
The 12th annual Cheekwood in Bloom: Belles Fleurs continues until April 14. Impressions
of France are brought to life with 250,000 colorful blooming bulbs. Traverse along
parterre-inspired gardens, capture a photo of a replica of the Eiffel Tower and complete
your journey by viewing works of art by Edgar Degas inside the museum galleries.
