Torquay set to explode with colour at annual festival

COLOUR will rain from the sky in Torquay this weekend as the annual Festival of Colours makes its return to the town.

More than 1000 people are expected to attend the event this Sunday, February 25 at Elephant Walk along the town’s foreshore.

Now gearing up for its ninth iteration, the festival is organised by Hare Krishna Valley, the spiritual retreat and rural farm of the Hare Krishna community.

The Surf Coast Shire, Victorian Multicultural Commission and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority have sponsored the event since it first began in 2014.

Event organiser Keshava Jenkins said the event aimed to promote peace, harmony and the oneness of the human spirit.

“We need that in society at this point in time.

“It’s an alcohol and drug-free event; it’s family friendly. It ticks all the boxes and it’s just a good, innocent day out for people to attend.

“It’s an anger-free zone; we just want everyone to have a good time.”

The event is characterised by the throwing of coloured powder in unison into the air at set intervals.

The festival will run from 11am-4pm and include live music, dancing, fortune telling, face painting and henna, as well as jumping castles and games for children.

Vegetarian and vegan food will be available to purchase through the festival with prices ranging from $5-$15 per plate.

Entry to the festival is free and coloured dyes can be pre-purchased for $10-$14.

“It’s good if you wear a white T-shirt, if you want to get a really amazing effect,” Mr Jenkins said.

He said he hopes the event encouraged “a feeling of peace and a feeling of community, of brotherhood, of sisterhood” in those who attend.

The Festival of Colours is derived from Holi, an ancient Hindu tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring and signifies the triumph of good over evil.

“So, for us it’s like the blooming colours of autumn,” Mr Jenkins said.

For more information, or to purchase coloured dyes, head to festivalofcolours.com.au