BJAI Holi Milan 2023

The Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) hosted its 2nd Holi Milan celebration in Ireland on Saturday, 04 March 2023, at Caragh Community Centre, Ireland.

The event brought together BJAI members, families, guests, and friends from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Holi – the festival of colours, one of India's most joyful and widely celebrated festivals. Holi marks the arrival of spring, the spirit of togetherness, and the celebration of happiness, gratitude, and renewal.

Although Holi has its roots in India, it is now celebrated by communities around the world as a global festival of colour, unity, and joy. Traditionally, Holi is celebrated over two days: Holika Dahan, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, followed by Rangwali Holi, where people celebrate with colours, music, food, and togetherness.

The cultural programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the distinguished guests, followed by the national anthems of India and Ireland, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange and friendship between the two nations.

BJAI was honoured to welcome H.E. Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India to Ireland, along with his wife Mrs. Reeti Mishra. The event was also graced by Cllr Evie Sammon, Lord Mayor of Naas, along with distinguished guests including Cllr Seamie Moore, former Mayor of Naas, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, Ms Annie O'Shea, Ms Gwen Byrne, Col Raymond Lane, and Naas Garda officers Tony and Deidra.

The distinguished guests addressed the BJAI family and wider audience, sharing messages of community harmony, cultural inclusion, friendship, and the importance of celebrating diversity in Ireland.

Children added colour and energy to the celebration with beautiful folk dance performances, followed by traditional dance, songs, and Bollywood performances by adults. The audience joined in the festive spirit, connecting with one another and dancing to lively Indian music played by the in-house DJ.

One of the major highlights of the day was Fagua, the traditional Bihari folk singing style closely associated with Holi and the spring season. The performance brought a strong sense of nostalgia, cultural pride, and festive warmth to the event.

The venue was filled with happiness, laughter, music, colour, and community spirit. To conclude the celebration, guests enjoyed traditional Bihari delicacies, including dahi vada, malpua, and boondi.

The celebrations continued outdoors with traditional Holi playing using dry colours, known as gulal, where volunteers, families, and community members came together to enjoy a joyful afternoon of culture, music, food, and togetherness.

BJAI extends its sincere thanks to all guests, members, volunteers, performers, and supporters who helped make BJAI Holi Milan 2023 a memorable and successful celebration.