Holi is a festival of mirth and joy symbolised by the riot of colour and the mood of gaiety that fills the air. And that is exactly how it was celebrated this year on February 25 at the TelstraClear Events Centre in Manukau.

Humm 106.2Fm in association with Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust hosted the event.

The formalities started with Mr. Satyan Prasad, HummFm’s managing director, welcoming guests. Jeet Suchdev of Bharatiya Samaj Charitable Trust spoke about the significance of Holi and how together with Humm106.2FM it brought this event for its community to South Auckland for all to enjoy a day where people of all colour, creed and ethnicity had no reservations in painting each other with the colours of joy.

So infectious and mesmerising were the vast array of colors that even the Members of Parliament like the Labour Party’s Rajen Prasad, Phil Goff, Lianne Dalziel, Leader of the NZ First National Party Winston Peters, NZ First MP Brendon Horan were also present with National MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Melissa Lee, Race Relations Commissioner Joris De Bres and Principal Advisor of Human Rights Commission Sam Sefuiva.

Community Leaders, Auckland Council’s Local Ethnic Board members, Auckland City Councilors, just to name a few attended this fest, could not resist from indulging in a bit of colored fun.

And while these festivities continued in the background, the stage held its own with a string of engaging performances. From the interesting ISCKON show, both on and off stage where they mingled with the crowd, to the famous Faag performance, the crowd enjoyed every bit of it. And then there were the stunning dance routines from one group after another enthralling all. The performers were from Akriti Dance Group, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Indiance, Candi Soo Fitness Centre and even HummFm’s very own RJs took to the stage.

Over all it was amazing to see everyone enjoy Holi – a festival of myriad colors, of gaiety, of friendships and re-unions. And the most beautiful thing to behold was the fact that Holi, which is such a vital part of Indian life and culture, was being celebrated in such a multicultural way in the City of Sails.
Happy Holi, everyone.