Festival of Colours returns to Palmerston North
Showing up with a bit of mischief and bright colours, the Festival of Colours came to the Palmerston North Square on March 21st.
The Indian festivity of Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, is a Hindu festival which marks the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of Spring. People celebrate by throwing coloured powder and water on each other.
Massey students Aya Abarzua and Huda Jamali were splashed with colour. Photo / Elizabeth Moisson
It was a sunny Friday afternoon as families and students gathered to enjoy food trucks, a photo-booth, Bollywood music, dancing, and fun competitions.
Izza Atif, Massey alumni and member of the planning committee said she was happy to see the university community participating and enjoying themselves around Holi.
“It was honestly one of the most fun and busy events I've taken part in planning and loved to see Massey students joining in the fun.”
Dressing for the occasion is very important for this event, with many wearing white T-shirts ready to be doused in coloured.
“It was just such a wholesome day filled with music, laughter, and a huge celebration of culture and community in Palmy”.
Massey student Alex Murray was the master of ceremonies and was pleased with how the event turned out.
Murray said, “The atmosphere was quite energetic with paint thrown, beats played, games, and also just around great people! It’s been heaps of fun!”
The main organiser for the event, Chresten Abmabey from the City Council, was soaked head to toe in the coloured dust.
He was optimistic about the number of people showing up to participate in the celebration.
“It’s targeted towards people who just wanna get out and have some fun!”
The celebration was a great chance for those who were unfamiliar of the tradition to learn more.
In amongst the crowd was Aya Abarzua, a third-year Vet student who managed to find time to celebrate with friends.
“I had so much fun getting to know my friends’ culture through Holi.”