Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust hosted the vibrant and colourful festival of Holi with great enthusiasm. The Lower Shotover Field in Queenstown was buzzing with energy as people from different ethnicities came together to enjoy this festival of love and colour.
The event, which was open to the public and offered free entry, drew a large crowd from all over Queenstown and nearby regions. This year's Holi event was the third annual celebration organised by the Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust, and it was one of the biggest Holi celebrations in the South Island.
The President of the Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown Charitable Trust, Mangal Behal, and Vice President Poonam Sethi, thanked everyone who joined the event and made it a grand success. The event's highlight was the festive vibe, Bollywood music, delicious food, and the lovely communities that came together to celebrate.
Behal said, Holi in Queenstown is always a special event for the Indian communities. We are lucky to be able to host this event each year and have lots of people join us. This was our 3rd year celebrating Holi and we hope to make this bigger and more enjoyable next year.”
Silvia Dancose, the Welcome Communities Coordinator from the Queenstown Lakes District Council(QLDC) graced the event.
It was a bright sunny day and everyone was in a good mood playing with colours. Young families were having a great time, and the kids were having a blast.
Ashok Sethi one of the attendees said, he came from Bombay to meet his family.
“I got really excited when I found out that there is a Holi festival happening in Queenstown. Having the opportunity to celebrate this traditional Indian festival with the beautiful community in the picturesque background of Queenstown was surreal. I am going back to India soon and will cherish these memories."
Another attendee who celebrated the Queenstown Holi event with her family was thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate this vibrant festival with friends and loved ones.
“As someone who has fond memories of Holi from my childhood, the event was a wonderful reminder of the joy and excitement that this festival can bring.”
For Rashi, the Holi event was not only a chance to have fun and enjoy the festive colours, but also an opportunity to keep her children connected to their cultural roots and traditions.
“I am particularly grateful that my parents who are visiting from India were able to attend the event, as it allowed them to share in the experience and make new friends within the local community.”
The organisers also expressed gratitude for the sponsors and supporters who made the event possible. Some of the sponsors were NZ Mortgages, Bombay Place Queenstown, Frankton Pizzeria, Ray White and Arise Financial Services. Arise Financial Services also organised a lucky draw giveaway, where one of the lucky winners took home a 55-inch smart TV.
Nathan Miglani of NZ Mortgages which was the main sponsor said, “NZ Mortgages are proud to support the Queenstown Holi festival and it's always been our constant endeavour to help our clients make an informed decision when it comes to buying their home in this beautiful city.”
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