Marking Holi brings back colour and fun

Taking part in the Holi celebrations are (from left) Fajer Ismael (20), Naziya Vahora (23), Dima...
Taking part in the Holi celebrations are (from left) Fajer Ismael (20), Naziya Vahora (23), Dima Alsheikh (24), Ranisha Chand (20) and Amneek Pal (22). PHOTOS: LINDA ROBERTSON
Bollywood music rang across the University of Otago Union Lawn on Saturday while about 50 students laughed and danced as an array of vibrantly coloured powders drifted on the breeze.

University of Otago Indian Students’ Association president Abhay Singh (20) said the association was in good spirits as students celebrated Holi, the festival of colours, and a return to Indian student events in Dunedin as Covid restrictions eased.

Holi, while often considered a religious event, was "for everyone", Mr Singh said.

"Everyone in India gets together, has the the day off, basically, and just forgets about everything else and has fun playing with colours."

From 11am, participants hurled brightly coloured gulal powder at one another and sprayed each other with water "just for fun" — and to celebrate a return of Indian events on campus.

"It’s a pretty big day for us," he said.

On a water slide at the University of Otago Indian Students’ Association’s Holi celebrations on...
On a water slide at the University of Otago Indian Students’ Association’s Holi celebrations on the university’s Union Lawn on Saturday is Ranisha Chand.
Vice-president Riya Shajumon (21) said Saturday’s party on the lawn was about having fun and "being colourful".

It was one of the association’s biggest celebrations of the year, she said.

"It’s just good to be together again," Ms Shajumon said.

Third-year dental technology student Naziya Vahora said the party vibe was enhanced by Saturday’s fine weather.

While she was not a member of the Indian Students’ Association, she enjoyed taking part in their events, especially Holi.

"I just love it," she said.

"It’s something new. Water, colours — what can go wrong?"

hamish.maclean@odt.co.nz

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