Holi Festival at the Oriental Museum

Each ticketholder will be provided with one FREE bag of coloured powder and there will be the opportunity to purchase additional bags. The powder is environmentally friendly and skin-kind.

Each ticket provides entry to indoor and outdoor activities.

Ticket holders for each timed powder throw slot can arrive at the Oriental Museum one hour before the powder throw and enjoy indoor activities including Holi-themed art and craft activities, face painting, and hear the traditional story of Holi.

Then head outdoors, collect one FREE bag of coloured powder and enter a lively powder throw with music ranging from Bollywood, classic Indian Holi songs, Bhangra and upbeat pop music.

Delicious food and refreshments will be available to purchase from an Indian food truck and the Oriental Museum cafe.

The powder-throws are arranged into five 45-minute timed slots and these are classed as 'family' or 'general’ sessions. Although entry is open to all, we advise that you choose the timed slot most suitable for you. For example, if you are bringing small children, we advise that you select the family slot.

Tickets are per person, and the price is the same for adults and children. Children under 2 are free.

Please have your ticket or e-ticket ready to show upon arrival.

We kindly request that visitors do not come back into the museum after the powder throw. This is to minimise powder on museum objects.

Event Organisation

The powder-throws are arranged into five timed slots across the day and these are classed as 'family' or 'general’ sessions. Although entry is open to all, we advise that you choose the timed slot most suitable for you. For example, if you are bringing young children, we advise that you select the family slot.

· 1.00pm – 1.45pm General (with entry to the museum and craft activities from 12.00pm)

· 1.45pm – 2.30pm Family (with entry to the museum and craft activities from 12.45 pm)

· 2.30pm – 3.15pm Family (with entry to the museum and craft activities from 1.30pm)

· 3.15pm – 4.00pm General (with entry to the museum and craft activities from 2.15pm)

· 4.00pm - 4.45pm General (with entry to museum and craft activities from 3.00pm)

What to wear

As the powder is really bright, we suggest that you wear white, or light coloured clothes. There is a small chance that the powder may stain clothing.

Travel and parking

Free parking is available for this event at Elvet Hill Car Park. Elvet Hill carpark is a University carpark, but visitors can use this carpark for free during this event. Alternatively Howlands Park and Ride carpark is a 15 minute walk away from the museum.

No parking will be permitted in the Oriental Museum carpark on the day of the event.

To plan your journey on public transport please use the following link: http://www.traveline.info

Accessibility

There will be loud music playing outdoors and indoors at this event. There will be lots of people around the powder throwing area.

You can find information about accessibility include our Visual Story on our website.

Health and Safety

Although we anticipate a fun and safe Holi festival, safety goggles, ear plugs, eye wash and first aid trained staff will all be present on site.

The event is wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are welcome, but no other dogs or animals will be permitted.

Photography is a big part of Holi festival and we anticipate that there will be official photographers present, if you do not want your photograph taken, please contact a member of staff on the day before taking part in your session.

This is an alcohol free event.

Places are limited and booking is essential. Refunds are available until 4pm on the Friday 14th March, please email your request.

Questions and queries

Do you have questions about Holi Festival 2025 at the Oriental Museum ?

Please contact the Oriental Museum on [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, Durham, United Kingdom