'The whole world is but one family' - Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

Holi Mahotsav 2010—A View -Saurabh
‘Holi’ comes from the word ‘Hola’, meaning to offer
oblation or prayer to the almighty as thanksgiving for
good harvest. Holi is celebrated every year to remind
people that those who love God shall be saved and
they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced
to ashes a la the mythical character Holika.
Holi is also associated with the historical story of
Holika, the sister of demon-king Hiranyakashipu. The
demon-king punished his son, Prahlad in a variety of
ways to denounce Lord Narayana. He failed in all his
attempts. Finally, he asked his sister Holika to take
Prahlad in her lap and enter a blazing fire. Holika had
a boon to remain unburned even inside fire. Holika
did her brother’s bidding. However, Holika’s boon
ended by this act of supreme sin against the Lord’s
devotee and was burnt to ashes. But Prahlad came out
unharmed.
Holi Mahotsav, Indian Festival of colours, friendship
and harmony, was celebrated for 3 days starting on
12 March at Palm Grove & Cockle Bay area. The
event was presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Australia with the support of Lebara Mobiles and
Incredible India. Although Bhavan Australia had been
celebrating this festival for years but it was my first
time to celebrate Holi festival on a foreign land and
that made me more excited.
It was 12th March when we, group of 4 friends,
fortunately met Gambhir Watts, President, Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan Australia near Cockle Bay area and we
came to know about the huge event that was going
on there. Meeting Mr Watts was so encouraging and
marvellous that we could not control ourselves to offer
our voluntary support to him. Next day ie on 13th
March, we reached the venue at 10:30 in the morning
and on looking around, we saw a beautiful stage on
Aquashell and so many people gathering near the stage
and enjoying the performances. Before beginning the
work for the day, I walked to the Bhavan’s hut where
the historical stories and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
were on display, seeing which could give goosebumps
to any Indian and same applied to me. Foodstalls with
Indian delicacies were mouthwatering and watching
people from different nationalities enjoying samosa,
naan and curry was wonderful.
During the festival, I was mostly inside the ‘performers
check in’ room and hence I knew what was about to
be the coming performance. The day began with Yoga
lessons, laughter sessions, Belly dancing and singing.
I could not see what was going on stage but with the
gradual increase in the sound of claps, I could say that
whatever was going on was being liked by all and
gradually more and more people were joining in
the celebration. By noon there was an exponential
increase in the number of people gathering there
and then came the beautifully decorated and exotic
‘Rath Yatra’ (Chariot) presented by ISKCON, Sydney.
Entire atmosphere was filled with chanting of ‘Hare
Krishna’. All the devotees were nicely dressed in
traditional Indian clothes and were very enthusiastic
about the event, which was easily seen in the way they
were chanting and dancing. Many people from all age
groups followed the Chariot and actively participated
in the event.
Towards the end of the day, weapon display and
Bhangra performance by Sikh community in Sydney
became the limelight and grabbed the attention of the
audience and won loads of applauds from them. The
entire celebration was not only celebrated by Indians
but was also equally enjoyed by people of other
nationalities. During the event, I got the privilege
to talk to many people from different countries like
Hungary, Indonesia, China, Korea and of course
Australia. Every one was utterly curious and excited
to know more about Holi festival and to see the ways
it is celebrated with colours.
Next day, on 14 March, the day started with the
preparation of Holi playing area. During the process,
I could feel so much excitement among the people that
they could not resist themselves from asking us about
the timing of the colour throwing sessions and upon
knowing that they looked very enthusiastic about it.
12:15 pm was the time when the first colour throwing
session had to begin and people started gathering around