An Artist Imagines Holi in 1792

In this fictional account, an 18th century Englishwoman's confusion and eventual realisation tells us a little bit about how festivals in India are by nature syncretic, eschewing straight lines and clear answers.

Soumyadeep Roy

Mar 08 2023

Art: Soumyadeep Roy

Tradition in India cannot be limited to religion, geography or singular accounts. An artist imagines how a British woman in 1792 would have realised just that while posing questions on Holi to various people around her.

Soumyadeep Roy is a visual artist, interested in narratives, anachronisms, and blending barriers that compartmentalise. His Instagram handle is @shomow. All art in this piece is by Roy.

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