BJAI Holi Milan Samaroh 2025

The Bihar Jharkhand Association of Ireland (BJAI) proudly hosted its vibrant and successful 4th Annual Multicultural Holi Milan Samaroh on Sunday, 09 March 2025, at Caragh Community Centre, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland.

The event brought together members of the Indian and Irish communities, along with families and friends from diverse backgrounds, to celebrate Holi – the festival of colours, joy, unity, and the arrival of spring.

Organised by Team BJAI, the celebration reflected the rich cultural heritage of Bihar, Jharkhand, and India, while also promoting community integration and cultural exchange in Ireland.

The programme began with the national anthems of India and Ireland, symbolising the strong cultural connection and friendship between the two nations.

BJAI was honoured to welcome several distinguished guests, including H.E. Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India to Ireland, accompanied by his wife Reeti Mishra; Fintan Brett, Lord Mayor of Naas; Seamie Moore, Deputy Mayor of Naas; Peggy O'Dwyer, Lord Mayor of Newbridge; Chris Pender, Deputy Mayor of Newbridge; Anne Breen, Councillor of Kildare North; and Supriya Singh, Councillor of Donaghmede. The guests addressed the gathering and shared inspiring messages on community participation, cultural harmony, and strengthening the relationship between India and Ireland.

Children were at the heart of the celebration and truly stole the stage with their energetic dance performances and a colourful fashion show representing different towns and regions of Bihar and Jharkhand. A special mention goes to the children from Jennie Brady's Dance Class, Naas, who captivated the audience with their beautiful performances.

The adult performances added further charm to the event, with Indian and Irish songs, traditional Holi folk music, and regional cultural presentations. One of the key highlights of the day was Fagua, the traditional Bihari folk singing style associated with Holi and the spring season, which brought a deeply nostalgic and festive atmosphere to the celebration.

Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of traditional festive food, including dahi vada, gujia, samosa, aloo tikki, biryani, and thandai, the traditional Holi drink. The food added warmth, flavour, and authenticity to the cultural experience.

The event also included raffles, music, and entertainment throughout the day. A live DJ kept the energy high with a lively mix of Bollywood, regional, and festive songs, creating an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and togetherness.

The grand finale of the celebration was the traditional playing of Holi, where participants joyfully applied vibrant colours to one another, symbolising happiness, unity, the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring.

The event was promoted through BJAI's social media pages and local radio, helping reach a wider audience and encouraging greater participation from the community.

The office bearers and culture team of BJAI extend their heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, guests, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to making the BJAI Holi Milan Samaroh 2025 a resounding success.

BJAI remains committed to organising inclusive, family-friendly, and community-focused events that celebrate Indian culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural harmony in Ireland.