Celebration of Holi at Consulate General of India,

New York on March 9, 2012

Holi, the festival of colour, heralding the arrival of spring in India was celebrated at the Consulate General of India, New York on March 9, 2012. The fun-filled event was graced by about 150 guests from the Tri-state area, prominent among them were dignitaries, artists, academicians, members of cultural associations, and media persons.

The event was held in the Ballroom of New India House which resonated with melodious Holi songs. The mood was upbeat among the guests.

CG of Trinidad & Tobago, Mrs. Rudrawatee Nan

Ramgoolam addressing the gathering

Greeting the guests, Consul General, Mr. Prabhu Dayal elaborated on the secular traditions of India. He stated that the Consulate celebrated all national festivals that brought social cohesion not only in India, but world over. He further added that the Consulate was a cultural hub for the Indian Americans living in the Tri-State area to celebrate the Indian festivals.

PR of Mauritius to the UN, Amb. Milan Meetarbhan

addressing the gathering.

Mr. & Mrs. Prabhu Dayal with some guests including  CG of Trinidad & Tobago,

 Mrs. Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam,   second  from left), CG of Guyana, Mr. Brentnold F.R. Evans

 (third from  right) and PR of Mauritius to the UN, Amb. Milan Meetrabhan  (extreme right)

The event was embellished by the presence of Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam; Consul General of Guyana, Mr. Brentnold F. R. Evans; and  Permanent Representative of Mauritius, Amb. Milan Meetarbhan. The dignitaries briefly described the celebration of Holi in their respective countries. They described the festival to be an indispensable event that brought fraternity and cohesion amongst the various sections of the society. They further added that Holi signified the arrival of spring season and moods of people changed with the celebration of the festival marked by colour, music and dance. The festival was also celebrated with religious fervor marking the victory of good over evil.

              Photographs of the gathering

The rituals, practices etc. described by the dignitaries in their stories regarding the celebration emphasized how Indian traditions have been preserved and nurtured amongst the Diaspora for centuries.

              Photographs of the gathering

            The event concluded with a dinner reception.

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