'Happy Holi, Australia': Prime Minister Albanese, Opposition Leader Dutton extend Holi wishes

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have extended their warm wishes for Holi to the Indian and other South Asian communities.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Right) and Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (Left) Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Millions of people in the Indian subcontinent and across the world celebrate the Indian festival Holi with great joy.
• Holi, the festival of colours, heralds the arrival of spring in India.
• The Indian Australian community is coordinating various events across multiple cities to commemorate the festival.

Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, is a widely celebrated ancient Hindu festival observed not only in India but also around the globe, including in Australia.

On Monday in a message, the Prime Minister said "Holi is a joyful celebration of colour, love and new life. The message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an inspiration for all Australians.

People celebrating Festivals of colors Holi (a part of the celebration of the oneness of the human spirit) organized by Explore Hare Krishna Valley in Melbourne. Credit: Pacific Press/Sipa USA/AAP Image

"For many Australians of South Asian heritage, Holi’s cultural and religious significance brings people together in celebration of their shared faith, history and heritage," he said.

"I was honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India, last year, and to experience the spectacular display of music, colour, and traditional dancing that define this lively tradition," the Prime Minister added.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) and former Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell (L) playing Holi at the western Indian city of Ahmedabad during Albanese's visit last year. Credit: Source: X/@AlboMP

"However you mark the occasion this year – whether you gather with family and friends, eat, sing, dance or play with gulaal – I trust you will have a wonderful time." Albanese said.

People celebrating Festivals of colors Holi (a part of the celebration of the oneness of the human spirit) organized by Explore Hare Krishna Valley in Melbourne. Credit: Pacific Press/Sipa USA/AAP Image

Opposition leader Peter Dutton also extended his warm wishes by saying "on behalf of the coalition, I send my best wishes to Australians of Hindu faith as you celebrate Holi - the Festival of Colours.

"Holi is about love, joy and unity. This important Hindu festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and the celebration of divine love," he said, adding that 'vibrant' event is also enjoyed by the wider Australian community.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

"Holi is testimony to the achievements of modern Australia, we are a people of many backgrounds and faiths who celebrate many cultural traditions," he mentioned in his Holi message.

"Despite these differences, we are united as Australians by the things we have in common: our love of family, our appreciation for friends and colleagues, our attachment to the community, our sense of duty, our aspiration and optimism our respect for law and liberty, our pride in our country, and our desire to protect democracy," Dutton said.

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