Holi Festival at Corban Estate Art Centre on March 4
Sunil Kaushal
In an age where we watch topics and events that are trending, people would rejoice at the colourful celebration of Holi being held in Waitakere this weekend.
Called ‘The Festival of Colours,’ with origins to Hinduism, has slowly transformed into a nondenominational celebration and is sweeping New Zealand.
People up and down the country are finding time and reasons to celebrate the Indian holiday that commends good winning over evil.
For the 12th consecutive year, Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), who were the first to start this celebrations in New Zealand, will hold their annual Holi Celebration on Sunday March 4, 2018 from 1030 am to 5 pm at Corban Estate Art Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland.
“As played out in Waitakere, entire families show up in white or light-coloured clothes and sprinkle, spray or smear one another with bright Red, Pink, Green, Yellow, Purple, Magenta and Blue,” WIA President Mahendra Sharma said.
Multifaceted Festival
Ministers, Members of Parliament, top government officials, community leaders and ordinary New Zealanders will visit in thousands the most successful Holi festival in the country. Organised and executed entirely by volunteers, Waitakere Holi reinforces the community spirit.
“Colours cover not only the clothes, but the faces, arms and hair in a bacchanalian burst of boundless delight. Upbeat Holi songs from Bollywood movies and high-calorie foods from India’s diverse ethnic regions are the backdrop of everyone hugging one another,” he said.
Waitakere Holi is now a ‘multi-religious, multifaceted and largely multicultural celebration.
WIA Secretary Junita Sen said that bringing people together is a part of Waitakere Holi.
“It is also one of the objectives of WIA. We have unity in diversity, and this keeps our community together. We have the same goal, basically, to keep the culture alive wherever you are,” she said.
Holi in India
Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter in India.
The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment.
People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind.
Almost all cities, towns and villages demonstrate a colourful sight. Young and old alike will be covered with colours, while people in small groups will be seen singing, dancing and throwing colours on each other.
Radha Krishna Romance
Holi is celebrated with special importance in the North of India. It solemnizes the love of Radha and Krishna. The spraying of coloured powders recalls the love sport of Lord Krishna and His devotees.
The colour, noise and entertainment that accompany the celebration of Holi bear witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brotherhood.
The festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony.
Holi in Waitakere
Continuing and keeping the traditions the Waitakere Holi will start with FAAG celebration from 10 30 am to 1230 pm.
There will be three Mandalis performing the traditional Holi Faag.
There will be Bollywood numbers followed by the formal opening at 1 pm.
Gabroo, one of the most popular DJs will take the centre stage from 2 pm and lead the attendees into the Holi mood through his latest music collection.
Eco-friendly Holi colours will be on sale.
There will also be Vegetarian food stalls available for those wanting to indulge in delicious Indian food.
What to bring
Bring your camera and post photos on Waitakere Indian Association Page, tag your friends, use #WIAHoli18 as hashtag; bring towels to make sure your seats in the car do not get spoilt; bring sunscreen and most importantly bring your family and friends to this free event.
For more information, please follow the Waitakere Indian Association Facebook Page www.facebook.com/waitakereindianassociation
Waitakere Indian Association acknowledges the support of Radio Tarana, Indian Newslink, Henderson-Massey Local Board and The Trust Communities Foundation to make this event a success.
Sunil Kaushal is Vice-President of Waitakere Indian Association.
Photo Caption:
- Multifaceted, multicoloured Holi
- Children have an exciting time at the Festival
- Song and Dance are a part of Waitakere Holi
- This is why it is called ‘Festival of Colours.’
