Laughter, music and bursts of colours filled My Suva Park as more than 250 people came together to celebrate Holi today, the festival of colors.
The event was organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the India-Fiji Friendship Forum.
While speaking to fijivillage News, a policy researcher from Taiwan, Marcin Jerzewski says he believes diversity is a source of strength for many communities.
He says having arrived in Fiji for a research project on development policy, he expressed his desire to learn more about the vibrancy of the Indian community here.
Jerzewski says for him Holi represents color, light, life and joy.
He adds that he is thrilled to be part of the Holi festivities in Fiji.
A senior project coordinator from Taiwan, Olimpia Kot says her favourite part of Holi is the Holi songs.
She says she can recall her first hearing Holi songs in Taiwan last year with her daughter.
Kot says she is more than excited about celebrating Holi in Fiji with the Indian community.
Salesh and Mamta Pala, celebrating with their sons Saiansh and Saivansh, shared how Holi strengthens family bonds.
Salesh says during Holi, everyone comes together and today, many people joined in, forming a family.
He says their children were eager to play Holi, making it a special family outing.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua says it was a great honor to be present, not just as a Minister, but as a fellow citizen who believes in the power of community, culture, and people coming together in joy.
He says Holi breaks down walls between status, faiths and generations.
Tikoduadua says in color, we are equal; in celebration, we are one.
