Weymouth care home residents celebrate Holi Festival

A care home in Weymouth marked the festival of Holi with a day celebrating Hindu culture.

Residents at Care UK’s Anning House, on Cross Road, took part in the festival of colour, which marks the start of spring and honours the triumph of good over evil.

As part of the celebrations, residents spent the morning learning more about Hinduism and the origins of the festival, before enjoying a traditional, Indian-inspired lunch, including chicken tikka masala, vegetable korma, fragrant rice with naan and mango chutney, all handmade by the home’s Head Chef. 

Later, everyone made their way into the home’s garden to perform the festival’s traditional ritual. Together with the team members, residents enjoyed throwing coloured powder and paints at each other to celebrate the changing seasons.

Commenting on the event, resident Audrey aged 93, said: “I had never heard of the Holi Festival before, and it was great fun throwing the coloured powder and seeing the team in their traditional clothes.”

Heidi Williams, General Manager at Anning House, said: “We all enjoyed taking part and learning about the traditions of the Holi festival and Hindu culture.  

“At Anning House, we’re committed to ensuring our home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone, where residents can practise and celebrate their culture – and Holi was the perfect occasion to learn more about Hindu culture and traditions.

“The team created such a memorable day for the residents, who particularly loved the Indian-inspired food! We already can’t wait for next year’s festivities!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Anning House, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.