Festival of Colours paints a lovely picture

MORE than 150 people from different cultural communities took part in this year’s Holi Festival of Colours in Mount Duneed.

The celebration dedicated to love, resilience, understanding and colour took place at Mount Duneed Hall last Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

The event saw organisers, Geelong Nepalese Association (GNA), run massive Easter Egg hunts and kite flying activities, where more than 35 kids ran around enjoying the beautiful weather.

A light lunch was provided to all participants with the association using recycled plates and cutlery – little steps towards minimising plastic in GNA’s program and protecting the environment.

The chief guests of the program included South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman as well as Cr Jim Mason from the City of Greater Geelong.

“We would really like to have this very opportunity to thank Mr Cheeseman and Cr Mason for participation in Holi 2022 and for all the support they do for the upliftment of our multicultural community,” GNA president Niraj Karanjeet said.

“During yesterday’s event, people played with colours, friends, families, community members showing love and respect.

“This blossoming festive day has allowed many to meet others after a long time during this COVID pandemic and play, laugh, forget, forgive, and repair broken relationships.”

Holi is considered one of Nepal’s most revered and celebrated festivals and famous ancient Hindu festivals.

Holi represents spring after winter in Nepal and the South Asian Continent.

Holi is also a religious festival and essential for families to teach principles and ethics to the next generations.

This also includes bringing love, tolerance, resilience and understanding into lives, according to Mr Karanjeet.

GNA received $2000 from the City of Greater Geelong to celebrate the festival, which they have been celebrating since 2012.

“We feel the City of Greater Geelong provided us with the platform to work closely with other Australian communities to promote and show Nepali culture, diversity, solidarity and preserve Nepali culture and traditions,” Mr Karanjeet added.

“We believe this sort of support helped our community’s life satisfaction and happiness, as well as boost our overall health and sense of belonging.”