Sat 23 Mar, over 5,000 people attended Leicester’s iconic Abbey Park which played host to the unique, bright and vibrant event. It was a great family fun day out, Leicester Holi brought an exhilarating ambience that blends culture, history and entertainment together for our communities. The aim of the event was not only to bring our diverse Hindu communities of Leicester together but bring together every community together from different faith backgrounds.
The theme for the event was Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity. Baroness Sandip Verma of Leicester said “I was born in Amritsar and when I came here to see this beautiful diversity it is just a reflection of all the things our fathers and grandfathers worked hard for. We have one the most culturally diverse Cities in the country, not only that but one of the most peaceful Cities in the country.”
There was exciting children’s activities for the day ranging from traditional laizem workshops; yoga; stage performances and kabbadi as well as the showcase of the event, the Dhuleti or colour-throw.
Leicester’s City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who attended, alongside Deputy City Mayor, Piara Singh Clair MBE and Assistant City Mayor, Manjula Sood MBE said ”We here, in Leicester are very proud of the many faith organised events we have in our calendar but Holi is a very special one, a joyous one to be part of.
The collaboration of 17 Hindu organisations, over the last nine months have worked tirelessly to bring this event to our City. Nikesh Patel, Leicester Holi Coordinator said “Our aim is to unite our communities together and the celebration of Holi and Dhuleti was poignant to achieve this. I firmly believe an event organised by the community, for the community is in the spirit of Leicester Holi!”.
The event focuses on what brings us together as a community rather than what separates us. Deputy Lieutenant of Leicester, Ramanbhai Barber MBE DL, who also attended the event with his wife, Khushmanben said “We were delighted and honoured to attend the colourful Holi and Dhuleti Celebration on behalf of Her Majesty and Lord Lieutenant at Abbey Park Leicester. Congratulations to Leicester Holi committee for their hard and sincere work for organising such a vibrant festival.”
