MELBOURNE, 22 March 2026: Holi the festival of colours continues to brighten the imagination of the community. The Hindu For Human Rights’s (HFHR) program to mark this important festival today with an inter-faith fervour left an undeniable positive impression in a world facing immense challenges. The thali of colours, speakers and others from different faiths and communities lit up the Drill Hall, in front of the iconic Victoria Market, a centre of unity in diversity and multiculturalism.
Speaker after speaker emphasised the need for a peaceful world and the consolidation of the diverse Australian ethos. The many speakers included Greens MP, Ellen Sandeil, Yusuf Zarani, Islamic Council of Victoria, Uncle James Williams, Amin Abbas, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Gurinder Kaur, Whittle Sea Interfaith Network, Councillor Sue Boltan from the Merry Bek Council, Councillor Gladys Liu from the city of Melbourne, Ohad Kozminsky, Jewish Council of Australia, among others.
It was incredible that people Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Palestinian, Jewish and just councillors or MPs, and many others all gathered for a Holi celebration, that cut across many a boundaries. Dancing together and enjoying a cultural mosaic. The message was crystal clear – we are together for a multicultural and diverse Australia.
The vibrant Bhangra dances and Bimal Singh’s song added to the ambience of festivity. The Palestinian going rounded with hands holding dance was a big hit, joined by all those present.
No doubt, Nandini, Chris, Deepak and many others did a good job organising the festive gathering. The event was also attended by community leader Nirmal Namdhari. The snacking with thandai and networking wrapped up the function, never to be forgotten for its fervour and the message of human unity.
The program was backed by The Humanism Project, City of Melbourne, Victorian Multicultural Commission , South Asia Times (SAT) and the NRI Affairs.
