Festival of Colours fills Torquay with peace, harmony and fun

TORQUAY’S Elephant Walk was transformed into a sea of colour last week, with almost 1,000 community members and visitors attending the annual Festival of Colours.

The event, which is characterised by the mass throwing of coloured powered in unison into the air each hour, featured live music, DJs, children’s activities and a selection of vegetarian food vendors.

Organised by Hare Krishna Valley, the spiritual retreat and rural farm of the Hare Krishna community, the Festival of Colours aims to promote peace, harmony and the oneness of the human spirit.

Festival organiser Keshava Jenkins said this year’s festival enjoyed a “good turnout” and “perfect” weather.

“It was just a great day, and we appreciate the Surf Coast Shire and the [Victorian] Multicultural [Commission] for supporting us.”

 

The Festival of Colours first began in 2014 and is derived from Holi, an ancient Hindu tradition that celebrates the change of the season and signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Mr Jenkins said the festival, which has inspired several regular attendees over the years, is a “good community event” that “brings everyone together”.

“It just breaks down cultural barriers and creates harmony amongst people,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is. [The festival] can just attract everyone and bring everyone together.”

He said the event was “really tailored to families”.

“There’s something for everyone, for the kids and the adults, and everyone just has a good time.”

The Festival of Colours will return to the Torquay foreshore in late February next year.