Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan): On 18 March Melbourne and the rest of the world celebrated the ancient Hindu festival of Holi. Holi marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the festival of colours, where friends, families and strangers put colours on each other. People share delicacies, dance, sing and celebrate. I want to acknowledge Hola Mohalla, also called Hola, a three-day-long Sikh festival which normally falls in March and takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chet. Hola Mohalla is a big festive event for Sikhs around the world. It builds upon the spring festival of Holi. People enjoy various displays of fighting prowess and bravery. They listen to kirtan, music and poetry and sit together to eat vegetarian food of the langars. I take this opportunity to wish a happy Holi and Hola Mohalla to all those who celebrate these important events. After the lockdowns it is great to see that once again we can come together in person and celebrate our festivals like we traditionally did in harmony and friendship.
Holi and Hola Mohalla Festival | Members Statement
