Davao City to Hold ‘Holi Festival of India’

Davao City (PNA) — The Festival of Colors, popularly known in India as the “Holi Festival of Colors” will be celebrated on March 7 from 2 to 12 midnight at the SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

At Fast Fridays forum, one of the organizers of the Festival, Juvy Sta.Maria said the celebration is geared towards strengthening the relationship between Indian nationals with the people of Davao City.

She said the holding of the event in Davao aims “to boost the relationship between the Indian community here and the Dabawenyos”. Right now there are about 3,000 students enrolled in the different universities of the city while a thousand Indians are doing business here.

“We wanted that the people of Davao would also know the culture of the Indians as their (Indian) community continues to grow,” she said.

She said by holding this kind of festival, the relationship could be strengthened and drew more appreciation of the Indian culture at the same time learn more about each other.

Sta. Maria said they are expecting also European families who will be coming in during the holding of the Holi Festival of 30 European exchange students of the Ateneo de Davao University.

Meanwhile, Sta. Maria said that Holi is a spring festival, which is also known as the festival of colors or the festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindu in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, and other regions of the world with significant populations of Hindu or people of Indian origin.

She said the Holi Festival of Colors 2015 is inspired by the original Indian Holi festival. She also said it is not religious and it does not promote any religious aspects or groups. It is about promoting the ideas of unity and camaraderie through colors of everyday life.

Gulal Holi Powder, which is imported from India, will be used during the festival. These color powders of about 5 to 10 colors are non-toxic, water soluble and environmental friendly, she said.

She also said that they are allergen-free and they have the highest quality, color brilliance and safe at the same time. No harmful ingredients and the fine dust of the powder is extremely low and it is compatible for the skin and hair.

She encouraged participants to wear white t-shirts to make the colors more visible.

Water is also an important component of the festival hence there will be water balloons, water guns and even a firetruck from the Fire Department is being tapped to spray water to the party goers.

“The participant will not leave the venue looking the same with all the colors one gets during the party,” she said.

She said it will be the first of its kind in Davao City with more than a thousand Indian nationals and other foreigners attending.

Tickets are sold at Php 200 with free Barcardi drink and color pack while the P300 also with free Bacardi drink and color plus white shirt with design for free.

Indian food will also be sold while Indian dances and songs will be part of the program. (PNA) RMA/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP