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 Tuesday in a message, the Prime Minister said "What is truly wonderful is the way Holi has been so enthusiastically absorbed into the story of modern Australia, its joyful expression of colour, love and new life heartily embraced by people of all backgrounds as a highlight of our festival calendar."
"Festivals like Holi remind us that all Australians benefit from the beliefs, customs, and experiences of people from every corner of the earth, along with their aspiration, hard work and love of country. We celebrate each other’s differences, and come together in our shared identity as Australians."
"For many Australians of Hindu and South Asian heritage, Holi is a time to come together in celebration of shared history, heritage and traditions."
"It is a festival with truly timeless themes: the triumph of good over evil, the enduring value of friendship and forgiveness, and the oneness of the human spirit. It holds out to us a chance to renew ourselves, and each other."
Others who extended their greetings included Jacinta Allan, Victoria's opposition leader Jess Wilson, Andrew McLachlan, Queensland MP Matt Smith, and Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland Bree James.
Indian-born migrants have grown significantly since 1996, with their numbers rising dramatically from around 80,000 to over 900,000 today.
They are now the second-largest overseas-born community in Australia, after migrants born in the United Kingdom.
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