Bigger and brighter Holi is back with a free event

Christchurch's Holi Festival of Colours will back for a fourth time on Saturday 4 March. But this time entry will be free and it will be at an even bigger and better venue.

The new venue on the corner of Madras and Gloucester Streets (opposite Latimer Square) has been provided by Otakaro as part of its sponsorship of the event.

Holi co-organiser Hitesh Sharma from Revel Events says, "It's awesome that Otakaro, along with other sponsors, is helping to make this event free, so everyone in Christchurch can dance, throw colours and have fun together.".

Performers, TribalDiva Belly Dance Company, will be performing for the first time at the event. The group's director Tracey Saunders says, "I can't wait to be part of this year’s Holi. It's awesome to see different cultures coming together to celebrate one another".

Holi is a traditional Indian festival that is held around the world. It is designed to bring people together and strengthen communities. It is about connecting, forgiving and looking ahead. The throwing of powder

colours symbolises everyone becoming equals, whether they are friends, foe or strangers.

Taking to the stage for the second year in a row in Christchurch will be Bollywood hip hop group, Subject 2 Change. Group member Darshana Darshika says, "Holi, for me, is all about spending time with the

people I care about and being amongst all that colour - which is something you don't get to do everyday".

Others helping to get the crowd into the Holi spirit will include entertainment group, Chant et Danse.

International DJs will also be there to keep the crowd on their feet in the colour-throwing zone.

Indian food and traditional Indian games will once again be part of the day including the crowd favourite Matki Phod. This game sees teams of three to five work together to create a human pyramid and then try to break a pot of coloured yoghurt above their heads.

Event co-organiser Sandeep Khanna says, "Holi is the perfect time for families to enjoy time with each other and have fun. There’s nothing else like it in Christchurch".

Holi will be held on Saturday 4 March, between 11am and 3pm, on the corner of Madras and Gloucester Streets (opposite Latimer Sqaure). Entry will be free. Holi colours will be available to purchase at $5 for two packets. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ChristchurchHoli.

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