Around 400 people from diverse backgrounds took part in the festival of colour and love run by the Ballarat Indian Association. 

Ballarat Indian Association president Meeta Narsi said the festival was enjoyed by a variety of people from diverse backgrounds. 

“It is a festival of colours, a time of good over evil and is celebrated to discourage feuds and forgive grievances. It’s a chance to start afresh,” she said. 

“It is giving the opportunity to people that are away from their homeland and can’t celebrate the event, to come here and be a part of it. Many people do celebrate it back at home in India. The festival is a way for them to be in touch with their motherland and the traditions are passed on to the younger generation as well.”

For many festival-goers, it was their first time celebrating the event. 

Hannah Bruce, Joy Bruce, Hamish Bruce and Bhavit Gyan enjoyed the day of colour, dancing and traditional food – their first time at the Ballarat Holi Festival. 

Joy and Hamish were on holiday from New Zealand visiting their daughter Hannah and son-in-law Bhavit.

“I am from India, so I played it as a kid,” Bhavit said. 

“Hannah has celebrated it a few times, but not like this before. Hamish and Joy didn’t know what to expect. Hamish had said he was going to go to Bunnings after this, I don’t think he will now.”

The Festival of Holi was a part of cultural diversity week and Ballarat Harmony Festival which runs until Friday March 23. 

Visit https://culturaldiversityweek.vic.gov.au/event/ballarat-harmony-fest/ for the full program of events. 

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