The Holi celebration by the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) on Sunday (March 5, 2023) was a great way to showcase Indian culture and bring the community together in a fun and inclusive way.
The event, held at Corbans Estate Art Centre, Henderson, brought together members of the Indian community and other cultural groups to partake in the festivities. The attendees threw brightly coloured powder and water at each other, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The event was open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and the atmosphere was one of joy, unity, and inclusivity. Families came together to enjoy the festivities, and children ran around with big smiles on their faces, enjoying the fun and freedom of the day. The event attracted people from all faiths and ethnicities.
Sunil Kaushal, President of WIA, told IWK, "Over 7,500 people attended the event. This is based on the number of cars that came through the parking barriers and the sale of colour packets. We shipped 5,000 packets of colour, which were sold out by 1.30 pm. It was great to see people who had bought the colours sharing them with those who couldn't buy them. We have been blown away by the overwhelming and positive response from the community. It was the largest crowd in the history of Holi, with many returning due to parking and off-street parking being completely utilised.”
It may be noted that it was after a gap of three years due to Covid 19 pandemic that WIA held its Holi celebration. "It is overwhelming to hold a successful event after three years and see everyone have a great time. We helped to bring joy and a little happiness to the community. Everything else is secondary. The event was overwhelmingly supported by over 20 Indian and local community organisations. Such events showcase our diversity within the Indian Diaspora and educate those unaware of our culture and traditions while keeping them alive for future generations.”
The event had ministers like Michael Wood, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, and Deborah Russell involved in the festivities. Radhakrishnan and ACT party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden was dancing and enjoying the rocking music churned out by DJ Gabroo.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Phil Twyford, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Chris Penk, Mahesh Bindra, Simon Court, Damien Smith, Melissa Lee, and local board members from Henderson-Massey, Whau and Waitakere Ranges.
Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan took to social media and wrote: “Fabulous afternoon at the west Auckland Holi festival organised by Sunil Kaushal & the team at Waitakere Indian Association. After a hiatus of a few years because of Covid and last month's floods that affected so many out west, it was lovely to come together to celebrate the festival of colour and love. These events are a good way for different communities to come together, celebrate and learn about different traditions.”
Minister for Auckland Michael Wood said, “A wonderful, sunny, happy day in West Auckland for the Waitakere Indian Association’s annual Holi celebration. This is the Auckland I love - positively celebrating our status as one of the world’s most diverse cities, bringing people together, and having a good time.”
Brooke van Velden also loved being part of the event and told IWK, “ Over the past few weeks we’ve seen the worst from nature with the floods but the best in Kiwi spirit with community coming together to help each other out. That spirit was on show again at Holi with the Waitakere Indian Association hosting this event for everyone from all cultures to enjoy. It was awesome to see people dancing, laughing and enjoying the sun. I loved being part of the celebrations.”
The organisers arranged for traditional Indian music, dance performances, and various food and refreshments, making it an unforgettable experience for all those who attended.
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