Celebration of Holi in Milton and Halton

Written by Vandana Bhatt and Mitul Paniker

This year's Holi was better than the last year in Canada and worldwide, the main reason being the pandemic where people could not gather for the previous two years. 

The year 2020 saw the event cancellations and took people in despair, while March 2022 brought a wave of happiness that encouraged people out of their homes to meet their loved ones and gather to mark one of the most celebrated festivals of India. The gorgeous spring weather was the icing on the cake. 

Over the last decade, the Indian community has sprawled in this part of the province. Many events and activities were organized in the past, which took a stagnant pause due to the pandemic. Since the virus is declining, we hope to see many other community events in Milton and Halton. Indo-Canadian Club has aligned some Holi events in Milton and Halton region. 

Hindu Community in Halton & Hamilton Hosts Successful Holi Bash in Milton

The Hindu Community in Halton & Hamilton (H.C.H.H.) celebrated Holi this year 2022, on March 19, with much pomp and circumstance at Milton Lions Club. The promptly planned event was a massive success with a turn-up of more than 350 guests and very well managed, coordinated by the H.C.H.H. team.

Guests of honor Milton MP Adam Van Koeverden, Regional Councillor Mike Cluett, and Ward 1 Milton Councillor Kristina Tesser Derksen participated in the festivities and set off the event by lighting a Diya (lamp). In addition, Milton Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo sent his wishes through a video message who was on a Holiday in the U.S. but didn't miss the chance to wish the Hindu Community on this auspicious occasion.

The event featured terrific Indian cultural performances, including Shri Ganesh Vandana by Deepti Pendkar, followed by National Anthem of Canada and India by Kashvi Giri, Aishi Pandey, Karan Bilandani, Sahil Bilandani, Vivaan Mittal. Afterward, Holi dance Song was performed by kids Riya Sharma, Sanskriti Rana, Mahi Arora, Vrisha Shingla, Stuti Sheel, Parishi Singh, choreographed by Dr. Anjul Sharma.

Holi significance and importance were narrated by community kids Raghav Verma, Tanisha Verma, Ishaan Mittal, which Charrusmita Ojha guided. All the performances were cheered and enjoyed by the attendees.

The event was graced by eminent personalities from different Indian and Canadian diaspora and joined by people of varying age groups. Later everyone enjoyed the Holi dance number played by D.J. with Bollywood moves. None of which would have been possible without the valued sponsors. H.C.H.H. would like to thank Platinum sponsor Amit Tiwari Real State Agent from Save Max, Platinum sponsor Abhay Gautam from A.G. Law Professional, Gold Sponsor Dr. Kiran Kapadia, Dr. Neil Bajaj from Clearview Dental and Optometry, and Silver Sponsor Boopathy Padmanabham, CLU, from C.H.S. Financial Planner for their contribution in making the evening memorable for everyone. 

The celebration was put together in just five days by an adept team of volunteers, including Prasad Kairamkonda, Sakla Varsha, Mita Saxena, Mayank Saxena, Umesh Pandey, Archna Rai, Deepika Mehanti, Arunesh Giri, Nikhil Ojha, Charrusmita Ojha, Shradha Mittal, Gaurav Mittal, Vijay Sehgal, Jyot Sehgal, Itty Gupta, Rahul Gupta, Bhagwat Verma, Dimpi Verma, Manish Aggarwal, and Shalvini Aggarwal, Hitesh Lalwani and many more. 

Holi was celebrated with traditional Holi colors (Gulal) played outside the Milton Lions club with dancing and music. More than 50 kgs color was used for the celebration, and everyone enjoyed it.

H.C.H.H. is a non-profit organization based in Hamilton founded by Mr. Arunesh Giri in 2020. This organization has been active in community service in many areas. Previously, the organization promoted Bhartiya (Indian) culture by conducting online events like the Diwali Decor contest, Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkaand during the Corona lockdown. H.C.H.H. aims to create awareness about Indian culture and traditions amongst the new N.R.I. generation while giving the older generation a haven to relive their roots. H.C.H.H. strongly believes in bringing the overseas Hindu community together and working closely with local and regional politicians to meet Hindu Community needs and benefits.

H.C.H.H. has raised donations during the Holi 2022 event with the help of all people who participated in the event. All donations collected were sent to the child care charity organization "The Darling Home For Kids," based in Milton, Canada. 

H.C.H.H. aims to have many more such events in the future and work closely for the whole community and society based in Halton and Hamilton, H.C.H.H. works on the motive fo "सेवा परमो धर्मः" ।

Vaishno Devi temple, Oakville, also hosted Holika Dehen (Holy bonfire and prayers) the night before the festival on March 17, followed by Holi Event on Sunday, March 20. 

Pic. courtesy: Priyanka Jaiswal

Apart from the organized events, the Indian community in Milton gathered at each other's houses and outdoors to share the joy of the festivities. It's one festival where even enemies forget their hatred towards each other and celebrate the occasion with utmost pleasure. Red, pink, yellow, green, and blue colors mixed the spring air and filled it with laughter. Here are some pictures from some of our friends in Milton:-

Upcoming Holi Events in Milton:-

Milton Gujrati Samaj is hosting an event on March 30 at Milton Sports Center Banquet hall to build up cultural values in young children and keep the Indian heritage alive. 

To attend, please email, 4mgpinfo@gmail.com