As people of Indian origin around the world prepared to celebrate the festival of colors, the Singaporean embassy in New Delhi extended its Holi greetings, hoping that the festival would bring peace and joy to everyone. The embassy also shared stunning images of Holi celebrations taking place in Barsana, one of India’s oldest and most renowned pilgrimage sites located in Uttar Pradesh.
In a post on its official X handle, the Singaporean embassy in India wrote, “Happy Holi Everyone! May this #FestivalOfColors bring peace & joy to all! – HC Wong : Braj Ki #Holi Celebrations 2024, Barsana Uttar Pradesh, by First Sec Sean Lim.”
Happy Holi Everyone! May this #FestivalOfColors bring peace & joy to all! – HC Wong
📸:Braj Ki #Holi Celebrations 2024, Barsana Uttar Pradesh, by First Sec Sean Lim#HoliFestival#Holi2024#Rangostav#IncredibleIndia @uptourismgov@incredibleindia @minofculturegoi@tourismgoi pic.twitter.com/vNmphkRtME
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) March 24, 2024
The Holi greetings coincided with the official visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Dr. Jaishankar’s visit, which began on Saturday, will conclude on March 27 and aims to enhance bilateral relations and address regional issues of mutual concern, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official release.
In another festive celebration leading up to Holi, an enchanting Indian classical Odissi dance and Nepali folk dance event was organized in Pokhara, Nepal, on Friday. The event, which heralded the onset of Holi festivities, showcased the vibrant spirit of the festival and celebrated the cultural richness of India and Nepal.
Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey graced the cultural event as the chief guest, with dignitaries from the Gandaki Provincial Government and Kaski Local Government in attendance. Pandey highlighted the cultural similarities between Nepal and India, emphasizing the event’s role in showcasing the diversity of the two countries.
Avinash Singh, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, underscored the longstanding cultural ties between India and Nepal while welcoming the designation of Pokhara as Nepal’s tourism capital.
The event featured Odissi dance performances, including Sritakamala, Sakhi He, Dasavatara, and Vasant Bahar: Colour of Spring, showcasing the intricate movements and expressions of this Indian classical dance form, as stated in an official release by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
Holi, celebrated with equal fervor in India and abroad, will be observed on March 25, Monday, this year. The festival is preceded by the ritual of Holika Dahan, symbolizing the burning of the demon Holika. As people celebrate, traditional sweets are shared, fostering a sense of harmony and unity among them, with revelers embodying the spirit of joy and love.