The Festival of Colours, a traditional Indian harvest celebration, returns to Wyndham next month.
Holi Fest organiser Hari Yellina says the event celebrates times of hope and happiness and symbolises a bright future.
“It is held in India around the time of harvest,” he said. “When it’s time to harvest – it means money is coming, a time of celebration.
“The whole of India is celebrating at this time of year.”
Bright colours produced from corn starch are sprayed around liberally.
“It’s very organic and safe for people to play with. We ask that nobody brings any paint or their own colours – stick to what we have.”
Last year’s event was a first for Wyndham, and Mr Yellina said it was a great success with 15,000 people taking part.
“Wyndham has a large population of ethnic Indians … so we decided to bring this festival to the west to make them feel at home,” he said. “It’s open to the whole community, not just the Indians. It’s a great way for different cultures to come together.”
Mr Yellina is looking forward to the rain dance most of all, mixing colours with water and spraying them through a water pistol.
As a friendly tip to festival-goers, he suggests that people not wear their best clothes to the event.
Other features at this year’s Holi Fest include local DJs and bands, food stalls, food trucks and rides for children.
The Festival of Colours: Holi 2016 is at Werribee racecourse from 11am until 9pm on Saturday, March 19.
