The biggest Holi event in the country on Sunday, February 14 at ISKCON Temple in Kumeu will put over one thousands kilos of colour for over 10,000 visitors to play with celebrating the annual Hindu festival.
Holi is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals for the Indian community after Diwali that is celebrated by the diaspora and the adjoining communities across the globe.
The annual festival of colour falls on March 28-29 this year, and the religious element of the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is observed at the end of winter and advent of spring month (in the Indian subcontinent), and spiritual part of the festival starts with Holika Dahan (burning demon Holika) also known as Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi.
In its 9th year, Krishna Holi event at the iconic Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West Auckland attracts thousands of people from all walks of life, different ethnicities and faiths to be a part of a colourful and joyous event.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender, Krishna Chandra from the temple said they are excited to see the festive season of Holi back after a gloomy year of Covid-19 in the country.
“Holi at the Krishna Temple is one of the most vibrant events in our calendar- we see families dressed white clothing visit the temple and then dance and drench in dry and wet colours from noon till early evening,” Krishna Chandra, secretary and spokesperson of Hare Krishna Temple said.
The temple spread over 100 acres start the free event at 11 a.m. and will have stalls that distribute at least ten to 12 colours, and there will also be watercolours for the visitors.
A giant LED screen is also installed on the stage with a DJ and live music for the attendees to dance and have fun.
“It’s a family-friendly- tobacco and alcohol-free event. People of all ages can have fun as there will be colour stalls, water stations, food stalls, changing rooms, showering stations for people drenched in colour,” Mr Chandra said.
He added that the temple stocks colours to be used at the festival at least 2-3 years at a time. The temple will be used over a ton of colour at the event both in its dry form and with water.
“We have given 200 kgs of colour to fire brigade who will mix it in their water tank and then splash it on the visitors at different intervals.
“Since this year’s event coincides with Valentine’s Day, we have kept valentine theme gifts and gift station too at the venue for the public to celebrate the occasion there,” Mr Chandra added.
Mr Chandra says all arrangements in terms of Covid QR Code scanning and hand sanitisers are in place for people, arrangements for children activities, so that everyone gets to enjoy the event to its fullest.
“We have volunteers, security to usher vehicles to park in the appropriate places, manage the oncoming and returning traffic, and make sure visitors feel comfortable at the event,” Mr Chandra added.
The event organisers have appealed the visitors to come in white dress as colours tend to exhibit its vibrancy on white clothing, get spare clothing to change after playing with colour and food and water arrangements have been made at the venue.
“Holi is always a fun event and Krishna Holi event like previous years will be high octane, full of energy and good vibes,” Mr Chandra added.
ISKCON Temple is located on 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu, West Auckland, and the event starts at noon to 5 p.m.
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