Goodwill, friendship and understanding, combined with good food and entertainment at the ‘Holi Mela’ in West Auckland on March 27, bringing forth the true spirit of the Festival of Colours.
The event, organised by the Waitakere Indian Association at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson, also commemorated Race Relations Day and Children’s Day.
Called, ‘Rang Barse Holi Mela,’ the daylong event brought together more than thousands of people from the Greater Auckland region.
Among them were Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata, Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres, Children’s Commissioner Dr John Angus, Kaumatua Dennis Hanson (who blessed the ceremony) and Chair of Henderson and Massey Local Board Vanessa Neeson.
The programme included Haka by the students of Kelston High School, traditional Faag Gayan, a drama presented by the students of the WIA Hindi School and other items.
The Association will donate part of the proceeds of the event to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief.
From a Report by WIA President Anand Naidu