A day of Holi festival celebrations featuring Indian food, music and dance performances was staged by the Indian de facto embassy in Taiwan at a New Taipei City park yesterday to mark the arrival of spring.
Speaking at the event opening, India Taipei Association (ITA) Director-General Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav said that the Indian holiday is meant to welcome the season of spring with “colors and joy and happiness.”
The ITA represents Indian interests in Taiwan in the absence of official ties.
Photo: CNA
Given that Holi is also a celebration of diversity, the envoy said the event in New Taipei gives Indians in Taiwan and Taiwanese the opportunity to embrace each other’s cultures, particularly given the increasing number of exchanges between the two sides.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said that it was his first-ever Holi experience, adding that he appreciated having the opportunity to take part in the annual celebration.
The festival represents India’s rich and colorful culture, a significant event marking the arrival of spring, he said, adding that it is also an opportunity for Taiwanese to join in the performances and learn more about Indian traditions.
Both countries are vibrant and resilient democracies and they share a strong partnership, Wu said.
Taiwan would carry on welcoming Indian students and professionals to the nation for “whatever purposes,” Wu said.
“We will continue to work with the ITA and the Indian community in Taiwan to further our commercial, educational and cultural exchanges,” he added.
As per Holi tradition, Yadav painted Wu’s face with colors, to mark the start of the event and as a symbol in hope of its success.
The event yesterday at Yonghe District’s Green River Park included a main stage with Indian music and traditional dance performances, as well as Indian food stalls and crafts.
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