Hoils it is one of the most important and joyful festivals of the Hindu tradition. Also known as “festival of colours”celebrates the arrival of spring, the rebirth of nature and the victory of good over evil. There Princess of Wales, Kate Middletonwent to Leicester to meet the British Indian community – particularly numerous in the city – and participate in the celebrations of Holi. What immediately attracted attention was his total white lookelegant and minimalist, made even more original by a scenographic series composed of large red roses and white pearls.
The Princess of Wales visits the city’s famous “Golden Mile”, an avenue with its sari, food and jewelery shops. (Photo by James Glossop-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Kate Middleton’s total white elegance and blue stone earrings
The choice of white is not random. Over the years Kate has shown a fondness for monochromatic outfitswhich he considers particularly elegant and suitable for official commitments. For the occasion he focused on a refined designer midi dress Ralph Lauren: a model with fitted crew neck bodice and a soft pleated skirt. Over the dress, the princess wore a long cream-colored coat designed by Chris Kerrcapable of giving structure and rigor to the silhouette. On my feet a pair of camel-colored pumps with a thin heel Gianvito Rossi. To complete her total white look, Kate Middleton he chose a couple of golden drop earrings by Sézane“Dina” model. Get inspired by traditional Indian jewelrywith worked details and small blue stones. A refined and discreet touch of color, perfectly in tune with the celebration of Holi.
The meaning of white
White in Hindu culture is often associated with purity, simplicity and spirituality. Wearing it during the festival of colors may seem like an oxymoron, but it is actually customary. White welcomes colors. Holi is also famous for the throwing colored powderscall gulal. Wearing white allows the colors to stand out much more on the fabric: when red, yellow, green and blue are deposited on the clothes, the result becomes almost a painted canvas. For this reason many people deliberately choose light or completely white clothes: it is a way to make the transformation of the party visible.
Kate Middleton’s visit, barefoot on the carpet
During the day the princess met local artists and entrepreneurs, also attending a performance of the Aakash Odedra Companya renowned contemporary dance company that blends Western choreographic languages and Indian traditions. The princess also stopped at the Hindu temple Shreeji Dham Havelientering barefootas tradition requires, and receiving as a gift flower garlands. Afterwards he strolled along the famous Golden Milethe heart of the city’s South Asian community, among sari shops and Indian cuisine restaurants.
The Princess of Wales meets worshipers during her visit to the Shreeji Dham Haveli Hindu temple in Leicester. (Photo by Darren Staples/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The flower garland: a welcoming gesture
Upon arriving at the temple, Kate received a necklace consisting of red roses and pearls. In Indian culture these garlands, called badthey are a symbol of respect and hospitality. They are often offered to guests as a sign of honor and welcome. It is therefore not surprising that the princess decided to wear it throughout the visit: this gesture is also part of his attention to detail and the desire to show respect for local traditions.
The colors and the legend of Krishna
According to tradition, the God Krishna as a child he was sad because his skin was dark while that of his beloved, Radhait was very clear. His mother jokingly suggested he color her face. Krishna did it for fun and from that gesture the tradition of color each other during Holi. Originally the colored powders were not synthetic as often happens today: they were prepared with natural ingredientsfor example turmeric for yellow, flower petals for red and pink And leaves and plants for greenery. In recent years many communities are returning to these natural versions to spice up the holiday more sustainable and skin-friendly.
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