Splashes of colours decorated Richmond's South Arm Park on Saturday afternoon as community members celebrated an annual spring festival.
Holi, a Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Colours, is celebrated in India and around the world each spring. Participants often douse each other with coloured water and powder while singing, dancing and sharing delicious treats.
"We put colours on each other... kind of just to say that we are all different but we are also all the same," said volunteer Pooja Kalsi.
Participants were all smiles as they enjoyed a festive and sunny afternoon filled with family-friendly games, dance circles to popular music and a variety of snacks provided by volunteers.
"We (had) volunteers to bring some gifts to encourage (the children) to participate in the community so our children can see how we celebrate festivals in India," said Kalsi.
This year's event is the second time a Holi celebration was held in Richmond and it was wholly volunteer-run.
Although the capacity for the celebration was limited by the City of Richmond's restrictions and attendance was affected by the Spring Break, the organizers are hoping to keep the momentum going and hold an even bigger event next year.
"We don't have many Indian events in Richmond. But now we have a team (and) we have lots of volunteers, and we plan things so we can get people together," Kalsi explained.
"It's important to organize such events to bring the Indian community in Richmond together and teach our children about the culture."
