Holi, the ancient Hindu festival which marks the beginning of spring and good over evil, was celebrated with great energy by the local community in Woodford Park last month.
Friends, families, and neighbours gathered to celebrate with food, music, dancing and the customary throwing of bright colours to celebrate the concept of Unity in Diversity.
This year was extra special as we emerge from lockdown to the victory over the devastating pandemic, with people looking forward to normality.
The local branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK, a charitable organisation hosted the cultural event with children’s performances, tombola game, food, singing and dancing.
The children set up food stalls and raised more than £150 for Sewa International charity which is currently raising donations towards Ukraine relief.
Organisers said that no Holi is complete without the obligatory colour throwing.
The four main colours used were red, blue green and yellow: all with symbolic meaning in Hinduism.
Red signifies love and fertility, blue represents determination, green symbolises life and happiness and yellow for knowledge.
Guests included community leaders as well as local councillors from Reading and Earley.
