2024 Dubbo Holi Milan Festival celebrated with colour explosion

More than 550 people were covered in vibrant colours to celebrate joy and love at the 2024 Dubbo Holi Milan Festival. See the pictures.

A town in the state’s central west exploded with colour and joy last weekend in celebration of an annual cultural event.

Also known as the festival of colours, the Holi Milan Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil in Indian culture.

The Orana Gujarati Samaj NSW secretary Saupriya Solanki told The Dubbo News the group collaborated with ORISCON and hosted the festival at Ollie Robbins Oval in Dubbo on Sunday.

“There were more than 550 people at the event – it was a fantastic turn out,” Mr Solanki said.

“People from all different cultures came on board to enjoy it all together.

Thanasingh Masilamani, Hitha Masilamani, Chandra Shanker Pandya, Urmilaben Pandya Photo: Wade Holmes at On A Good Day Photography

“The main beauty of Holi is to play with colours, enjoy traditional music and dance and share festive foods.”

He said before the festival began, tributes were shared for Sherin Jackson who died in a tragic house fire last week.

Stephen Lawrence presenting certificate and token of Gift to Twinkal Rupareliya from Rams International Grocer. Photo: Wade Holmes at On A Good Day Photography

Water guns and balloons were filled with vibrant colours and thrown onto one another to spread happiness.

Mr Solanki said there were also cultural food vendors on site to give people the opportunity to try new cuisines.

“We have a large Indian, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Sri Lanken and Pakistani community in Dubbo, so it’s great that we could all celebrate the tradition together,” he added.

“We made sure everyone had their hands full of colours, building a bond through the simple act of donating a gold coin.

Harshit, Anil, Saupriya. Photo: Wade Holmes at On A Good Day Photography

“It’s a way to preserve traditions, pass them onto our younger generations and strengthen community bonds.

“Celebrating in towns like Dubbo gives us an opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate heritage and share culture with others.

“It’s important to us to foster the inclusivity and appreciation for cultural richness.”

Mr Solanki said that while keeping the Indian community alive through the festival, it also encouraged cultural diversity and harmony with other cultures.

He said the event is expected to be held next year.