Colours galore to hit Torquay

ORGANISERS are hopeful this weekend’s Festival of Colours will draw more than 1000 visitors to Torquay to turn the Surf Coast multi coloured.

Hare Krishna Valley lead event organiser Keshava Jenkins said the team was excited for the event’s return to Elepahnt Walk on Sunday (February 26).

“This is an event the community looks forward to every year, so there are good vibes already swelling for the event,” Mr Jenkins said.

The festival begins at 11am and ends at 4pm. Entry to the event area is free, but coloured powder is charged. Vegetarian/vegan food will be available on-site.

Mr Jenkins said the festival will be an alcohol, drug, smoking, anger and meat-free event.

“The Festival of Colours celebrates the oneness of human spirit and is based upon an ancient festival originating in India where Krishna, the God of play, would engage in throwing coloured powders with His cowherd friends,” he said.

“The festival signifies the blooming of colour which manifests when we exchange heart felt friendship.

“Celebrating peace and harmony and bringing people closer together, the members of Hare Krishna Valley are staging this festival for the visitors and community of the Surf Coast.”

The Festival of Colours is supported by the Surf Coast Shire and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, with permission from the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to use Elephant Walk.

“We are really trying to create goodwill this year, we are kind of in troubled times on the planet at the moment, so we hope to bring the community together through events like this,” Mr Jenkins added.

“All we ask of patrons is to bring a white t-shirt, for obvious reasons.”

The Festival of Colours would be cancelled in the case of Extreme/Code Red weather conditions.