Holi Mahotsav 2010 - Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

Holi Mahotsav 2010
Holi Mahotsav the grand festival of friendship
and harmony is celebrated with culture,
colours, folk and fun. This day is specially
chosen to forgive ‘foes’ and forget old differences
to become friends again. People from all castes and
religions come together to enjoy the spirit of Holi.
It harbingers the arrival of spring and new harvest.
In India during Holi days one can see colours of joy
everywhere.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia has been celebrating
this festival of colours and culture in Sydney for
the past 7 years. In the 8th year of this festival the
celebration venue was shifted from Tumbalong Park
and Chinese Garden Forecourts to Aquashell in
Cockle Bay Wharf and Palm Grove and convention
Centre Forecourts. Spread over three days the festival
saw a wide range of cultural performances, delicious
Indian vegetarian food stalls, Rath Yatra and colour
sessions. More than 180,000 people were estimated
to have passed through Darling Harbour over the
period of Holi Mahotsav. The festivities of three days
started on March 12, Friday evening with ‘Images of
India’ portrayed through Kathak dance repertoire by
Olga Chepelianskaia followed by the ever so lively
Bhangra dances by Platinum Bhangra and two hours
of Indian DJ—Sydney’s Party
Guru Raj Khanna presenting a foot tapping Bollywood
extravaganza! The lively Bhangra and the Bollywood
music raised the energy levels of the crowd.
Saturday, March 13 was the day of celebrating
spirituality. The highlight being Rath Yatra—the Rath
(Chariot) of Lord Jagannätha being hand-pulled by the
ISKCON devotees and Sydneysiders through the busy
streets of Sydney, culminating into Darling Harbour
and staying at the Palm Grove. The devotees chanted
prayers and praises of the Lord while pulling the
Chariot. The Yatra was organised along with that of
ISKCON Sydney. The event also witnessed the sacred
Holika Dahan (Holi Fire). The sacred fire ceremony
symbolises the emergence of good over evil. Unlike in
India where it is done in an open space where devotees
walk around the fire and chant prayers, in Sydney it
was observed by lighting a symbolic bonfire.
Yoga in Daily Life and Camp organized Yoga
demonstrations. The enthusiastic crowd readily took
part in the demonstrations. The cultural performances
did not take a break. The dances, fashion show and
musical performances took place in full swing after
the spiritual sessions.

Sunday, March 14 was a long day of cultural
extravaganza with all sorts of dances from India and
other cultures, musical bands, fashion show. Nearly
two hundred artists joined in presenting this marvel.
And of course the special attraction was of playing
with colours—for everyone who wished to participate.
Boys and girls with colour smeared faces and clothes
enthusiastically wished a Happy Holi to everyone and
looked forward to a colourful and bright new year.
With chaos, laughter and thrill, it was interesting
to see everyone enjoying and throwing colours in
the designated area, whilst the rest looked on with
delight, and perhaps even envy. Over the weekend, the
grand festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors
who absorbed themselves in the colourful fusion of
Indian music, dance, food and exhibitions. Some of
the most respected dignitaries also joined on Sunday.
The dignitaries were welcomed with the Aboriginal
Smoke Ceremony performed by Marx Harrison, an
Elder from the Aboriginal Community. The ceremony
symbolizes purification and blessings.
Looking at the success of the festival for the 8th year,
Gambhir Watts, President, Bhavan Australia, said,
“we are indeed immensely grateful to all those who
have travelled with us in past seven years in turning
Holi Mahotsav, an Indian festival of harmony and
friendship, into mainstream grand Australian festival
of harmony today. Australian community has made
Holi part of our evolving
cultural calendar. Our special
thanks are due to Sydney
Harbour Foreshore Authority,
India Tourism Sydney, City
of Sydney and ISKCON Sydney who agreed to and
encouraged our plans for Holi Mahotsav in 2003 and
have remained with us since then. The Premier of
New South Wales has been supporting Holi Mahotsav
since 2005 with grants from the Community Relations
Commission for a Multicultural NSW. We are grateful
to City of Sydney and City Central Command of
NSW Police who have greatly supported our Street
Procession / Rath Yatra every year since 2005. Our
sincere thanks and gratitude are due to them.”
He continued, “This year Lebara Mobile have joined
us a major sponsor. We express our heartfelt gratitude
to Lebara Mobile and other sponsors: Incredible
India, State Bank of India-Sydney, Vision Asia
and The Indian Link. We are grateful to our media
supporters The Indian, Indus Age, The Indian Down
Under, Punjab Times, who joined us in making this
2010 festival even brighter and diverse.”
Holi Mahotsav 2010 VIP session was graced by:
HE Sujatha Singh, High Commissioner of India;
HH Bhakti Charu Maharaja, Governing Body
Commissioner of ISKCON; Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP,
Parliamentary Secretary, representing Prime Minister;

Hon. John Hatzisterogos, Attorney General and
Minister for Citizenship, New South Wales; Warren
Mundine, Former President of National Labour Party
& Chief Executive Officer, NTSCORP; Krishna
Arya, Regional Director Australia, Government of
India Tourism Office; Michael Azar, Lebara Mobile;
Hon. Amit Das Gupta, Consul General of India; Vish
Viswanathan, President, Federation of Australian
Indian Associations Inc (FAIA); Dipen Rughani,
President Australia India Business Council New South
Wales; Varanayaka, President ISKCON Sydney; Hon.
Amanda Fazio, MLC, President of the Legislative
Council of NSW; Hon. Michael Richards MP, Liberal
Party of NSW; Bhakti John, National President
Australian Association of Yoga in Daily Life; Dr Phil
Lambert, Director, Sydney Region, Department of
Education and Training; John Huxley, Senior Associate
Editor, Sydney Morning Herald; Philip Rolfe, Chief
Executive Officer, Parramasala, NSW Government;
Vijay Handoo, Director Doordarshan, India; Dr Nihal
Agar, President, Hindu Council of Australia; Dr A
Balasubramaniam, President, Sri Venkatesh Temple
Helensburg and former President of Hindu Council
of Australia; Mrs Aruna Chandrala, President, United
India Association; Ted Quan, Chinese Community,
former President of ECC of NSW; Padmanabhan
Karamil, President, Kerala Association of NSW; Dr
Yadu Singh, Secretary, Indian Australian Medical
Association; Mrs Lucky Singh, President, GOPIO
Sydney; Luigi De Luca, from Italian community and
Chopra, Councilor, Hornsby
Shire Council.
ISKCON had set up a small
temple of Lord Jagannath
and arranged for an inspirational and motivational
exhibition by the Temple. They had regular devotional
prayer sessions providing spiritual insights. The stalls
during the Holi Mahotsav pep up the festival by adding
variety to the event. This year though the number of
stalls were limited yet the variety of food and craft
was unlimited. A huge variety of delectable Indian
vegetarian favorites, beverages and sweets were on
offer by renowned Indian restaurants such as Taza
Tandoori, Taj Indian Sweets, Chandni Chowk Pty Ltd,
Fine Event Indian Cuisine, Sri Annapoorna Restaurant
& Catering and Connaught Place. Traditional Indian
drinks such as the staple Holi beverage—Thandai,
the ever popular—sugarcane juice and the refreshing
and nutritious yoghurt drink—Lassi proved to be
the perfect thirst quenchers. Stay Cool Tropical Sno
brought the cooling and calming coconut water and
fresh sweet corns. Meanwhile, merchandise stands
offered great bargains on traditional dresses, tops,
fashion accessories, fancy bangles and artistic Henna
art tattoos from Saileen Fashions, latest DVDs and
CDs from AXR Entertainment, Vision Asia and
Konnect TV gave out discounted prices for their
popular Indian channels package. There were other
stalls such as India Tourism Sydney, UAE Exchange,

The Indian Link. The event was full of activity and fun
with five young masters of ceremonies Sophil Raja,
Soiam Raja, Anchal Saxena, Dyasmin Sandu, Priya
Rao providing with direction to the cultural shows.
The crowd passionately sang and tirelessly danced
to a mix of recent Indian favourites and dances like
classical performances and high-energy numbers by
the Bhangra and folk songs by Platinum Bhangra and
Folk & Fun, Nupur Dance School, Samvar Dance Class,
Hola Mohalla, Priya Deewan Dance Academy, Ritika
Satsangi & Group, IABBV Hindi School, Bollystar
Dance School, Contemporary Dance Academy,
Ghungaroo Academy of Music & Dance, Geetanjali
School of Dance & Performing Arts. Adding glitz and
Bollywood glamour to the event were performances
by Mango Dance Studio artists choreographed by the
famous Bollywood Choreographer Farah Shah. Little
girls of Nital Desai’s group swayed the audience
with traditional Gujarati Dances. Stunning Tribal
Belly Dance performances by Ghaziya, Azif & Las
Hermanas Tribal Belly dancers
left the audience spellbound.
The Karen McPhillips
Scottish Highland Dancers
complimented the event with
their dance spreading the Scottish cheer. The event also
saw live band by Vishvaas Production, Tokyo Love-In
and AXR Entertainment. AXR group also entertained
the crowd with a colourful fashion show. Whilst all the
professional performers kept the audience grooving;
the real stars of the show were the talented little girls
as young as four, giving their version of Bollywood
hits. Holi Mahotsav 2010 was a successful show with
vibrant performances of over 400 artists from a large
number of Dance academies and cultural groups. The
festival also saw some singing sensations like Gurjot
Singh and Preet Singh who entertained the crowd with
Bollywood & Punjabi songs. The crowd swayed to the
music of the singers and then to the orchestra that
played for the evening.

Performances 12 March
» Olga Chepelianskaia
Performance Details: Images of India portrays various
colorful and dismaying aspects of India through Kathak
dance repertoire, a classical and creative dance of Northern
India. Three key aspects of Indian life - spirituality, love and
festivity - are depicted
» Platinum Bhangra
Group Coordinator: Harinder Kaur and Manu Singh
Performers: Manu Singh, Bulla Singh, Devinder Sandhu,
Preet Singh
Performance Details: Bhangra Dances
» DJ by Raj Khanna
Dhol Players dressed in traditional outfits (Drums with
traditional beats), Bollywood DJs
Performances 13 March
» Yoga in Daily Life
Group Coordinator: Bhakti Johnson
Performance Details: Yoga Demonstrations
» Songs by Gurjot Singh
» Samvar Dance Class
Group Coordinator: Samiksha
Performers: Aaryan Parmar, Deeti Jani, Jay Mehta,
Kanishka Desai, Meet Vyas, Paritosh Sharma, Riya Patel,
Samarth Shah, Varishi Shah.
Performance Details: Dances on songs Zoobie Doobie and
Tararumpum
» Ghaziya
Group Coordinator: Kristie Wolf, Devi Mamak (teacher)
Performers: Victoria Walker, Sara Haidinger and Kirstie
Wulf
Performance Details: Tribal Belly Dance Style performance.
Performing “Hip Shaker”, “Spanish Galleon”, “Setrak”,
“Beastie Bys’, “Joi”
» Camp Quality Yoga
»
Group Coordinator: Heidi Bock
Laughter Yoga Demonstration
Olga Chepelianskaia
Platinum Bhangra
Raj Khanna
Gurjot Singh

» Vishvaas production band
Group Coordinator: Dinesh Ramanan
Performers: Chiranth Wodeyar Gana Aruneswaran,
Pratamesh Datar, Prabanjan Datar, Aditya Prasad, Liam
Holley
Performance Details: Musical Performance (1) Mahatma
(Gandhi Title Track), (2) Akayla Asoka (Asoka Title Track)
» Isckon temple Kirtan Demonstration,
Speeches and Discusions followed by Cultural
Bon-Fire Ceremony.
» Hola Maholla
Group Coordinator: Preetraj Singh, Moninder singh
Performance Details: Gatka, An Ancient martial art used
by the Sikh Gurus to help defend the ‘basic human right’ to
live and let live not only for Sikhs but also for people from
other faiths. Gatka is considered to be spiritual as well as a
physical exercise.
» AXR Youth Band
Group Coordinator: Anchal Saxena
Performers:Gulnav Hora, Pranish Rai, Prashant Rai, Gagan
Singh, Anchal Lal
» Mahmood Khan Funk
Group Coordinator: Mahmood Khan
Performers: Anthony Lee, grace coburn, isac hayward, joe
manton, maharshi raval, mahmood khan, mike chin, naomi
csoke, phil sander, ron manton, shaun tarring, tamasin
howard
Performance Details: World
» Priya Deewan Dance Acadamy
Group Coordinator: Priya Deewan
Performers: Rhea, Kavisha, nikita , shivani, sonali, sohana,
satchi, radikha, Priyanka
Performance Details: Dance on Just Do It (Chance Pe
Dance) and a Bollywood Medly
» AXR entertainment Fashion Show by
Sareehaven
»
Group Coordinator: Anchal Saxena
Performers: Aahuti Dasour, Nikita Krishnan, Ruchi Arora
Saadia Miah, Vanita Balani, Linda
Samvar Dance Classes
Ghaziya
Hola Maholla
Mahmood Khan Funk
Priya Deewan Dance Acadamy

» AXR Entertainment - Element Five band
Group Coordinator: Anchal Saxena
Performers: Arjun Nidigallu, Mandeep Singh, Prathamesh
Datar, Shankar Athreiya, Prabhanjan Datar
Performances 14 March
» Dance Group Name: Gurjot singh
Group Coordinator: Gurjot singh
Performers: names: Gurjot Singh
Performance Details: Singing
» Ritika Satsangi and Group
Group Coordinator: Ritika Satsangi
Performers: Sona Garg, Ritika Satsangi,Niyati Gajjar, Dipali
Goel, Shivank Goel, Aditi Dala, Sanya Dalal
Performance Details: Bollywood Classical Dances
» IABBV Hindi School
Group Coordinator: Mala Mehta
Performers: Shriya Kamboj, Thripura S. Hariharan, Pooja
S. Hariharan, Shirali Garga, Khushboo Mahajan, Shagun
Panwar, Deepti Virmani
Performance Details: medley of two short Song Remixes
“Holi Re” & “Gunji Angana Mein Shehnai” and Bhangra
» Neetal Desai’s Gujarati Dance Group
Group Coordinator: Neetal Desai
Performers: Isha Desai, Sonia Giga, Rajsi Vyas, Aalapi
Shreekumar, Manasi Shelat, Niyati Desai, Pavitraa Hathi,
Aashka Desai, Stuti Bhatt, Urja Bhatia, Dhanvi Dave, Neha
Patel, Sonali Malhotra, Pavitraa Hathi, Divyansha Kumar,
Michelle Khurana, Anushka, Nikita Jain, Dhatri Bellave,
Divya Saxena, Ria Bhargava, Aananya Deshpande, Isha
Baldeo, Mugdha Ghosh, Jannavi Rao, Aashna Khanna
Performance Details: Traditional Gujarati Garba and Duha
» Bollystar Dance School
»
Group Coordinator: Neha Madaan
Performers: names: Neha Madaan, Monica Mookhy, Vidhi
Keerthana, Divya, Amisha, Diya, Diantha.
Performance Details: Semi Classical Bollywood Dancing
Fashion Show by Sareehaven
Element Five (V) Band
IABBV Hindi School
Ritika Satsangi and Group
Neetal Desai’s Gujarati Dance Group

» Azif and Las hermanas Tribal Belly Dancing
Group Coordinator: Sandy Burrow
Performers: Sandy Burrow, Karen Kelly, Sharrie Hannan, Bec
Slade, Sue Kennedy, Jodie , Stewart, Katie, Ruza Milkovic and
Merilyn Hyde.
Performance Details: Tribal Belly Dances.
» Dance Group Name: Mango Dance Studio
Group Coordinator: Farah Shah
Performers:
Performance Details: A wide variety of Bollywood Dances
from Performers of all ages.
» Aboriginal Smoke Ceremony
Group Coordinator: Peta Strathan
Performance by Max Harrison
» VIP Session
» Aboriginal Performance
Group Coordinator: Peta Strathan
Performance by Max Harrison
» Contemperary Dance Acedemy.
Group Coordinator: Shwetambra Barar / Anita Barar
Performers: names: Aishani Mahabir, Alisha Behl, Angelina
White, Anoushika Ginni, Anusha Kumar, Anushwa Ravalji,
Harshini Vaghela, Inaya Vhora, Isabella White, Ishaita
Katyal, Naomi, Navpreet kaur, Nikhita Kumar, Nikita Naidu,
Nikita Nandoskar, Niyati Desai, Nolene Sharma,Paris Ali,
Prisha Singh, Rachna Deshpande, Rhea Varandani, Rishika
Mahabir, Rohini Kamath, Ruhee Dixit, Sanaa Vhora,
Sandhya Menon, Sangeeta Menon, Sanjana Chand, Sanjana
Nagesh, Saya Varandani, Sharmin Zaman, Shauna Abel,
Shivani Raman, Simar Batra, Srishti Yadav, Tina Kumar,
Uma Dawson, Yasmin Zaman
Performance Details: Mix of Semi-Classical Bollywood
and Fusion Dances.
» Karen McPhillips School of highland dancing
Group Coordinator: Karen Macphilis
Performers: Lauren Caunter, Emily Carr, Emily McGuire,
Madeline James, Michaela Ng
Performance Details: Traditional dances from Scotland
» Camp Quality Yoga
»
Group Coordinator: Heidi Bock
Laughter Yoga Demonstration
Aboriginal Performance
Bollystar Dance School
Azif and Las hermanas
Mango Dance Studio

» Nupur Dance Group
Group Coordinator: Manjusha De & Jinnie De
Performers: Suhani, Arianna, Anisha, Parvati, Mahima,
Mahika, Palak, Junita,Sanjana, Anika, Jenny, Megha, Jinnie,
Parisa, Shilvana, Sharmila, Upasna, Aditi, Jyosthna, Junita,
Jerestene, Sarah, Vani, Aarushi, Akshita, Soumya, Prashant,
Rishab,Simi, Rani,Devika, Ritika, Sareena, Claudia
Performance Details: Fusion Bollywood with aspects of
classical styles and the last dance item is Bollywood/Bhangra
» Ghungaroo academy of music and dance
Group Coordinator: Kanan J shah
Performers: Kanan J Shah, kanan shah, vinita, Kavita, richa
pandey
Performance Details: Rajasthani Group Dance and Semi-
Classical Folk
» Geetanjali School of Dance and Performing
Arts
Group Coordinator: Sharmila Maitra.
Performers: Esha Arora, Sonel Arora, Priya Basu, Sheekha
Chalise, Arkita Chowdhury, Debi Chowdhury, Debolina
Chowdhury, Ritika Chowdhury, Ria Danwer, Alisha
DasGupta, Arya Goswami, Kavya Gupta, Shuchi Gupta,
Medha Gupta, Trisha Paul, Emil Rayan, Erika Rayan, Erina
Rayan, Anushuya Roy, Amy Shah, Diya Sharma, Shyrin
Sharma, Vidhushi Sharma, Ragini Sood, Shruti Yardi
Performance Details: “Ocean of Love” - Semi Classical
Fushion Dance, “Bhalo Koria” - Bangladesh Folk Songs,
“Saiya re”- Semi-Classical Bollywood Dance, “Kashmiri
Folk and a Dance Medly
» AXR entertainment Fashion Show by
Sareehaven
Group Coordinator: Anchal Saxena
Performers: Aahuti Dasour, Nikita Krishnan, Ruchi Arora,
Saadia Miah, Vanita Balani, Linda
» Tokyo Love-In
»
Group Coordinator: Michael Chin
Performers: Yamha Sarshar, Sangeet Mishra and Michael
Chin
Performance Details: Fusion between Indian Classical
music, contemporary beats and world music.
Contemperary Dance Acedemy
Karen McPhillips School
Nupur Dance Group
Geetanjali School of Dance

» Folk and Fun
Group Coordinator: Raju Sarai
Performers:
Performance Details: Bhangra Dances
» Master of Ceremonies
Anchal Saxena, Dyasmin Sandu, Priya Rao, Sophil
and Soiam Raja
» Stage Managers
Bhoji Watts, Manju Chand, Reena Doshi, Rajesh
Katakdhond, Jimmy Talatia
» Staff and Volunteers
Utkarsh Doshi, Jenny Ren, Sudhir Das, Zsolt Naggy,
Bushra, Emilie, Anchal Saxena, Ryan D’Lima, Deepthi
Pathak, Veena Sashikumar, Dinesh Raman, Gautam
Sehgal, Rinul Pashankar, Hitashi Gohil, Saurabh
Arora, Gagan Puri, Orsi Toth, Raghu, Sumedh, Anita
Nath, Nitin Navale, Amit Dongre, Robin Dmello,
Pratik Patel, Jishiv Patel, Ravi Pandya, Bhavesh
Savaliya
» Photogrphers:
Gred Dickens, Misa Okumura.
» Video graphers :
Will Walquist, Zsolt Naggy, Arvind Shukla, Nitisha
Tripathi
Folk and Fun
Masters of Ceremonies
Food Stall Holders
Chandni Chowk Pty Ltd Stay Cool Tropical Sno
Fine Event Indian Cuisine Taj Indian Sweets and Restaurant
Sri Annapoorna Restaurant & Catering Taza Tandoori Restaurant
Merchandise Stall Holders
Australian Association of Yoga in Daily Life Konnectv Pty Ltd
AXR Entertainment UAE Exchange Australia Pty. Ltd.
Gocool Sugar cane Juicery Vision Asia Pty. Ltd.
Indian Link India Tourism Sydney
Marquee Stall Holders
Lebara Mobile Saileen Fashions
ISKCON Temple Marquee Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia

Messages for Holi Mahotsav 2010
Her Exellency Sujatha Singh, High Commissioner of India in Australia
I am glad to know that the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, in keeping with its tradition of undertaking
activities aimed at strengthening the Indian community’s traditional linkages with the mother
country and promoting multiculturalism in Australia, is bringing out a special ‘Holi Mahotsav’
souvenir issue of its monthly magazine ‘Bhavan Australia’.
Holi, the joyous festival of colours of India heralds Spring. It is celebrated through the width
and breadth of India, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It is in this spirit that Indians in
Australia as well as fellow Australians gather together on this day, to celebrate this festival in
a spirit of fellow feeling and friendship.
I wish the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan continued success in its endeavours and convey my
greetings to the readers of Bhavan Australia.
Hon Amit Dasgupta, Consul General of India in Sydney
I take pleasure in extending felicitations to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Australia) for, once
again, organizing the Holi Festival in Sydney. It has come to be recognized, in Sydney, as a
major programme, which brings together persons of different backgrounds in the universal
spirit of brotherhood and friendship.
The initiative of the Bhawan in regularly organizing this programme is laudable and the
manner in which the entire resident Indian community has joined hands in making it a success
reflects the strong harmony that exists within the community.
I join all of you in extending peace, happiness and good will on this auspicious occasion to
everyone. Happy Holi!
Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia
The Holi Mahotsav festival of friendship and harmony, now in its eighth Australian year, has
become a mainstream Sydney festival celebrating Indian culture through dance and music
performances, cultural workshops, meditation sessions, food and merchandise stalls.
Around 250,000 people of Indian heritage live in Australia, and we value their contribution to
our society, our economy and our nation. These people-to-people ties are an integral part of
the strong and growing relationship between Australia and India.
Congratulations to the organisers for their efforts in continuing this great event. I wish
readers of of Bhavan Australia magazine and all those attending Holi Mahotsav an enjoyable
and memorable day.
Swami Sridharnanda, President Vedata Centre Sydney
We are glad to learn that the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is organizing the Holi Mahotsav
on the 14th March 2010.
Holi is a celebration of the different colours denoting variety but yet reminding us of
the unity behind it. Mythologically, it is the burning of evil in the all consuming fire
like Holika (the demoness) did and protecting the purity of the virtuous (like Prahlada).
Today’s world needs the message of Unity in Diversity and the victory of Virtue and
other spiritual values very much.
May the inspiration of this great festival help us to achieve peace is our humble prayer

Kristina Keneally, New South Wales Premier
We are glad to learn that the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is organizing the Holi Mahotsav on
the 14th March 2010.
Holi is a celebration of the different colours denoting variety but yet reminding us of
the unity behind it. Mythologically, it is the burning of evil in the all consuming fire
like Holika (the demoness) did and protecting the purity of the virtuous (like Prahlada).
Today’s world needs the message of Unity in Diversity and the victory of Virtue and other
spiritual values very much.
May the inspiration of this great festival help us to achieve peace is our
I send my best wishes to everyone involved in this year’s Holi Mahotsav celebrations.
Holi Mahotsav is one of the most vibrant and colourful events on Sydney’s cultural
calendar.
This event is a celebration of Indian traditions where Australians of Indian and non-Indian
background can experience Indian culture, music, dance, food, spirituality and philosophy.
Holi Mahotsav is an ancient festival celebrated across the streets of India and the Sydney celebrations have
grown in popularity since they began eight years ago.
Once again, I wish everyone a happy and festive Holi Mahotsav.
Best wishes for the celebrations. Holi Mubarak Ho.
Message from Pravrajika Ajayaprana, President Ramakrishna
Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW
Very happy to know that the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is organizing a celebration of the HOLI
festival in a very fitting manner, with RATHA YATRA, a serious meeting of V.I.Ps and
interesting entertainment programmes. The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has always been very
much involved in presenting the cultural and spiritual lore of India. May your attempt be
rewarded with great success.
Message from Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami
Maheshwarananda Founder of Yoga in Daily Life, the System
Blessed Selves, Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The significance of Holi is that victory of good over evil is achieved through unshakable
devotion for the Lord. That same unshakeable devotion is required today if humans are to
live sustainably on this planet and achieve lasting world peace.
Spirituality is the only answer to the world’s problems and revival of humanity’s ethical
and spiritual values is the only guiding force that will affect the necessary change we want
for humanity and Mother Earth. To re-awaken and re-commit to maintaining these values
is an obligation required by everyone if we are to achieve the ultimate victory of good
over evil.
If we want peace in the world, we must first have peace within. There must be mutual
respect, love, understanding and compassion, not only for other humans, but also for all
of nature and the creatures that live therein. Such mutual recognition is not bought in the market place, it can
only be cultivated within by treating others as we wish to be treated. Only this will awaken the sense of
universal accountability.
A Yogi would say, “Renounce and limit your needs”. Renounce greed, renounce anger, renounce duality and
narrow-thinking. Open the heart and give. Understand another’s feelings, understand another’s life situation
and grant them their rights. Give them happiness and forgiveness. Never violate anyone physically, mentally or

April 2010 Vol. 7 No. 10
emotionally. Never be the cause of another’s tears, since all beings are the embodiment of God.
The Vedas declare that one God has created this world. All creatures therefore are the children of one Creator
and all living beings are part of the one universal family. That is why the aim of every individual should be to
create a responsible and caring society so that all may experience the beauty of life and realise God. As Bhagwan
Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji said, “Love each and every living being as least as much as you love yourself”.
Thank you Mr. Gambhir Watts, President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia and all sponsors and participants,
for organising and supporting this meaningful event of Holi Mahotsav 2010.
With Blessings of the Almighty
Message from Inder Singh, Chairman GOPIO International
I am glad to know that Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Australia, is organizing Holi Mahotsav
– the age old Indian festival of colors – at the well known Australian venue of Darling
Harbor. It is heartening to know that the mainstream Australian communities will join
the Indian Australian community in tens of thousands in this remarkable celebration. I
congratulate you on your leadership role for the event and commend you for providing
a forum for introduction of India’s culture to Australians.
Holi festival has an ancient origin and many legends & stories are associated with it.
Holi celebration marks the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’ and is celebrated with a lot
of pomp and pageantry through the width and breadth of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Sikhs celebrate a similar festival known as
Hola Mohalla.
Holi, heralds spring in India. It is also known as Phagwa after the name of the month Phalgun, which usually
falls in the later part of February or March. Holi celebration has also become an important festival in many
countries where Indian Diaspora had gone and settled, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad,
Mauritius, Fiji, some countries in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and others.
I convey my greetings to the Indian Australian community and members of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for
celebrating the Holi festival in a spirit of fellow feeling and friendship. I also admire the commitment and
dedication with which you and the Holi festival committee have been organizing the event, year after year, for
the past 7 years.
Krishna Arya, Regional Director Australasia, India
Tourism Sydney wished everyone a colourful and a happy
Holi Celebrations.
Message from Hon Amanda Fazio MLC, President
Legislative Council
Please accept my apologies for my non-attendance at the Holi Mahotsav Festival
at Darling Harbour on 14 March 2010. I was not feeling well and was unable to
attend.
The media coverage that the Festival received indicates that the wider community
are supporting the festival in ever increasing numbers. Congratulations to the
Bahvan for another very successful Holi Mahotsav Festival.

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

April 2010 Vol. 7 No. 10
the Holi playing area even before that. Two middle
aged ladies from Australia shared their experiences of
Holi celebration in India last year and they seemed
very enthusiastic to play Holi again but this time at
Darling Harbour. A few minutes later another young
lady approached me and asked significance of this
festival to me. With my limited knowledge, I tried
to answer her question by saying ‘Holi is the festival
of colours and is played during spring season every
year in India. The way it is celebrated is different in
different parts of India but colour is used everywhere.
The main idea behind using colours is that colours
remove all differences prevailing in the society as you
can not guess the caste, colour, creed, and religion
behind the coloured face and everyone plays Holi with
each other forgetting all such differences. Moreover,
this festival is so much fun that even foes turn to
friends and play Holi together.’
As soon as we opened the barrier for the crowd to
enter the Holi playing area, people of all age groups
and all nationalities just jumped in and started playing
Holi with each other. Entire day, people had shown
their enthusiasm in playing Holi and some people
were coming again and again especially a 12 year old
boy Jimmy. He looked so innocent and cute while he
was colouring himself. Last colouring session was the
wildest session, everyone started pushing others to
Holi Mahotsav 2010 - Event Statistics
grab some colours and there were unexpectedly huge
number of people in the playing area. It had become
so difficult to manage the crowd for a while that we
had to stand on the table for distributing colours.
By the end of the colouring session, everyone was
looking stunningly colourful, happy and funny as
well. Some people were laughing at each other,
some were comparing the colours of each other, kids
running around and parents worried about the clothes
and whether this colour would be washed off from
their faces or not.
Last performance of the day, Bhangra and the beats of
Dhol put dancing shoes on everyone backstage as well
as frontstage. Celebration ended with dancing and
thanksgiving to everyone who helped in organizing
the event, to everyone who performed on stage,
to everyone who had their stalls, to everyone who
coloured themselves, to everyone who were capturing
the event with their cameras and last but not the least
there was a big thanks to the audience and spectators
without them the event may not had been that huge
success.
Day / Date No of Performance Items No of Performers No of Staff / Volunteers
Friday - 12 March 2010 3 11 6
Saturday - 13 March 2010 15 120 43
Sunday - 14 March 2010 19 267 46
Total 37 398 47