Irish and Indian communities meet up in Kildare to welcome spring

The Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) hosted the by now annual multicultural celebration of Holi, the festival of colours, at the community centre in Caragh.

The event celebrates rebirth and rejuvenation every spring and brings together members of the community from various backgrounds to celebrate “this joyous occasion.”

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Bihar Jharkhand refers to parts of eastern India.

Members of the community from various backgrounds celebrated the event along with local politicians.

The Holi celebration showcased the rich cultural diversity and spirit of unity within the Indian and Irish communities. The event featured a variety of activities and performances to entertain the attendance.

The festivities commenced with the singing of the national anthems of India and Ireland, symbolising the cultural exchange between the two nations. 

The attendance included the Ambassador of India to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra and his wife Reeti Mishra; Naas mayor Fintan Brett, Cllr Seamie Moore, Newbridge mayor Peggy O’Dwyer, Cllr Chris Pender, Cllr Anne Breen, Cllr Supriya Singh and former senator Vincent P Martin.

Children participated in dance routines and a fashion show representing different towns of Bihar and Jharkhand, which added to the vibrancy of the celebration. 

The organisers gave a special mention to children from Jennie Brady School of Dance Naas, who gave a captivating performance.

Adults delighted the audience with Indian and Irish songs, as well as traditional Holi folk songs, evoking fervent emotions from participants of all age groups. The highlight of the day was the Fagua, a traditional Bihari folk singing style associated with Holi and spring, which further elevated the festive atmosphere.

Guests were treated to an array of traditional foods, including delicacies such as dahi vadas, gujia, samosa, aloo tikki, and biryani and thandai traditional holi drink, enhancing the cultural experience.

Music was provided by a  DJ who played a mix of Bollywood and regional songs, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.

The climax of the evening was the traditional Holi playing, during which participants joyfully smeared each other with vibrant colors, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

The BJAI extends its thanks to all who attended in addition to sponsors for their support “in making the event a resounding success and intends to organise more inclusive and community-centric events in the future.”