Bollywood beats, Indian street food, a little bit of masti and a splash of colour turned Holi at Sandown Racecourse into a huge hit
Holi helps bring society together, welcoming all who want to celebrate. This year’s joyous celebrations at Sandown Racecourse began with prayers and the burning of Holika, before the event took a turn from the religious to the classics we all love.
From Rang barse bhige chunar wali to Balam pichkari, the festivities had begun, with coloured powders thrown in the air and at each other. Within minutes everyone was covered in colour and were dancing their hearts out. Music, cheers, whistles and singing filled the air, everyone coming together no matter whether they knew each other or not.
The guests of honour at this festival organised by AIII were Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Inga Peulich, Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy, Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams, former Senator Helen Kroger, and Liberal candidate for Hotham George Hua.
All were very excited and enjoyed Holi, setting a challenge for us to cover them in colour. The music pumped through the air, the smiles spreading across everyone’s faces as they recognised the songs. Circles became bigger, with more and more joining the fun.
Families were laughing together; the younger crowd brought their friends and introduced them to the enjoyment of this celebration of colours.
The onstage entertainment was contemporary and exhilarating. Keeping spirits high and everyone enthused, the dancers performed an exciting sequence of steps with songs new and old, starting with Pinga and then moving on to Rang Barse.
The stalls were filled with delicious, mouth-watering foods allowing the memories of Indian streets to fill our minds. The scents wafted out amongst the crowd and amidst all the dancing caused tummies to rumble.
The stall owners too had their fun, switching shifts to join the crowd as they danced and threw colours.
Holi, a festival that brings people together from all over allowing differences to fade and simple masti to be had. A festival where love, forgiveness and joy take over, filling all that participate with enjoyment and a sense of victory.
