Festival set to bring colour to celebrations

The lively Holi Festival of Colour celebrations will be held at Oakwood Technology College on Moorgate Road at 7pm.

The event will include traditional Indian vegetarian refreshments, Bollywood music and the dance to participate in the traditional throwing of coloured powder.

This ancient Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the death of the demon Holika and is usually celebrated on the day after the full moon in March.

The event is being organised by the Bharat Integration Group (BIG), a Rotherham-based social group for Indian women. 

Group leader Gopa Raha said: “This is a great fun event and we are hoping it will bring people together from many different cultures within the Rotherham and beyond, as it has done since 2005, everyone is welcome.

“The performances will be spectacular and, of course, there will be the traditional throwing of coloured powder, which is always the highlight of the event and particularly popular with the children.”

Rotherham Borough Council Cabinet member for community development, , Cllr Mahroof Hussain, added: “Holi is about everybody coming together to celebrate the start of spring in the most colorful and enjoyable way possible.

“I hope all members of the community will join us and experience this fantastic event.”

The event will include a Bollywood-style variety show starring renowned Indian dancer Tuhina Bhattacharyya, and a special performance by Rawmarsh School students.

There will also be a Indian-style puppet show and performances by several singers.

Tickets priced £4 can also be bought on the door.