Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday conveyed Holi greetings, highlighting the festival’s message of the triumph of good over evil, friendship and forgiveness, and the shared spirit of humanity.
In a statement, Albanese said Holi is an important occasion for Australians of Hindu and South Asian heritage and has increasingly become part of the country’s multicultural celebrations.
“For many Australians of Hindu and South Asian heritage, Holi is a time to come together in celebration of shared history, heritage and traditions. It is a festival with truly timeless themes: the triumph of good over evil, the enduring value of friendship and forgiveness, and the oneness of the human spirit. It holds out to us a chance to renew ourselves and each other,” he said.
Noting that the festival has been widely embraced across Australia, Albanese said Holi’s “joyful expression of colour, love and new life” has become a highlight of the country’s festival calendar for people from diverse backgrounds.
He said celebrations such as Holi reflect the contributions of people from different cultures and communities to Australian society.
“We celebrate each other’s differences and come together in our shared identity as Australians. May this year’s Holi celebrations nurture friendships and build communities so that, long after the gulal has drifted away, the power of all that connects us continues,” Albanese added.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended Holi greetings, wishing happiness, prosperity and success for all.
“Happy Holi to all our fellow citizens. May this festival of colours and joy bring happiness to everyone. May everyone’s life be filled with the colours of happiness, prosperity and success,” Modi said in a post on X.
Holi, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter and is observed with colours, music and community celebrations.
IANS
