Holi chance to deepen appreciation of Hindu customs: Australian PM

Melbourne, Mar 24: Greeting people on Holi, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday said the festival was an opportunity for all Australians to deepen their appreciation of Hindu customs.

"Celebrating the arrival of spring after winter darkness, the ancient festival of Holi brings with it a promise of the triumph of good over evil, of renewal and rebirth," Turnbull said his his message on Holi.

Describing Holi as a "carnival of colour", the Australian Prime Minister said in Australia where the autumn air is cooling and the leaves are starting to turn, the symbolism of the changing seasons still imbues the experience of the lively festival.

"As communities across our country gather in celebration, this is an opportunity for all Australians to deepen their appreciation of Hindu customs," the Prime Minister said.

"The freedom to express ourselves and to embrace diversity is what makes Australia one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world," he said.

Turnbull said Australia is like a "rich tapestry" and every one of the community groups and cultural traditions, woven into that, "is an indelible part of who we are."

He extended his best wishes to those celebrating Holi. Another Australian politician who extended his warm wishes to the Indian community celebrating the festival was New South Wales premier Mike Baird. "I would like to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Holi.

It is a festival that brings us together in a spirit of fun and friendship, encouraging understanding of each other's backgrounds in our multicultural society," Baird said in a statement.

"This annual Hindu festival is widely celebrated across India and Nepal and is now recognised and celebrated right across New South Wales," he said.

Baird said the local Indian and Nepalese communities were to be commended for sharing their cultures and traditions with the wider community.

PTI