Fun takes on range of colours at big festival

A PORT Elizabeth high school's grounds served as the backdrop for a colourful Hindu celebration that was marked around the world yesterday.

Woolhope Senior Secondary School in Malabar was a hive of activity as the Hindu community honoured the Holi Festival.

One of the organisers, Ameer Choonara, said: "We have given the event a fun take – together with the obvious Hindu feel and theme, there is a fete vibe about this year's celebration."

In previous years, the festival was held outside a temple, he said.

Coloured powder, water and fire are integral to the traditional aspects of Holi.

Yesterday, young and old threw coloured powder and water on each other. Later, Choonara said, devotees threw popcorn at a bonfire and cast away their worries for the year under the guidance of priest Kirit Acharya.

"In Hindu symbolism, fire is a purifying element. The bonfire is a reminder of the symbolic victory of good over evil," Choonara said.

The Hindu community celebrates more than 26 festivals. - Xolisa Phillip