General News
18 March, 2025
Holi festival brings a splash of colour to town
A blast of colour filled Coronation Park on Friday afternoon as locals gathered to celebrate the Holi festival.
The spontaneous event was free and open to the community, inviting all interested locals to take part in the secular festival.
Event organiser Pravin Yadav said the celebration is for the triumph of good over evil, symbolised by throwing coloured powder and dancing.
“It’s about making your life colourful, removing the negativity, bringing in the positivity, and bringing the people together,” he said.
Holi is a Hindu festival marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as per the northern hemisphere.
Running this year on March 13 and 14, Holi is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna, usually falling in March.
Nearly 60 people took part in the event, with almost all participants attending in white clothing to show the vibrant powders and cover each other while dancing.
Attendees were also offered traditional Holi food.
Kamal Singh is part of the group who promoted the event for its first time in Maryborough.
He said they wanted to try something bigger for local families at this year’s celebration.
“Pravin approached everyone about it and it became our first time celebrating Holi in Maryborough. We are just a small community here in Maryborough, both Indian and Nepalese, and we want to express ourselves,” he said.
The use of bright coloured dye reminds participants of vibrance and new beginnings.
Mr Singh said Holi powder is safe and has always been part of the celebration.
“The traditional powder is safe for skin, it’s safe for the environment, it comes off with water,” he said.
Mr Yadav said anyone is allowed to take part in the festivities, welcoming young people and families.
“It’s an open invitation for friends, it’s popular with young people, we celebrate this festival to bring in colour and brightness, it’s a time to avoid the negativity and celebrate the colours,” he said.
Holi is one of the most important and happiest events on the Hindu calendar.
The group would love to see the celebration become a regular tradition, welcoming even more members of the community next year.
The group are encouraging intrigued locals curious about the celebration to learn by joining them when they see the events.
“Just enjoy the fun, don’t judge us,” Mr Yadav said.
