by Evelyn Cullen
LETTERKENNY’S large and growing Indian community gathered together last weekend to celebrate Holi, the traditional Indian festival of colours.
The celebration took place at a venue near the Dry Arch, where almost 100 Indian people, who have made Letterkenny their home, gathered for the joyous celebration which involves covering each other in colourful dust, singing, dancing and partying Indian-style.
The Holi colours symbolise different emotions, values and aspects of life.
“For me, pink is my colour and it represents joy, playfulness and self-care,” said Swetapadma Pradhan from Odisha in Eastern India, who has lived in Letterkenny for one year next month.
Holi usually falls in March on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the victory of good over evil.
It is one of the most vibrant and joyful festivals in India, celebrated with colours, music, dance, and festive foods, including Pakora, a popular deep-fried snack made by coating vegetables, paneer, or meat in a spiced chickpea flour batter and frying until crispy.
“Celebrating Holi in Letterkenny feels like a blessing, a beautiful way to stay connected to our roots while being miles from home” continued Sweta.
“We love living here and learning about the Irish culture. I’ve already celebrated Halloween and Christmas with my Donegal friends, and Easter will be next. Irish people are so generous and kind, and the nature is more beautiful than anything I imagined” she added.
Sweta moved here to be with her husband, Amit, who is also Indian and has lived here in Ireland for seven years and works in finance.
Of course the weather is something she has had to adapt to.
“The winter was tough for me because it was so grey” said Sweta “but now with the brighter days of Spring and the better weather, I have a whole new appreciation of the sunshine. I realise I took it for granted before. The heat can be oppressive in India and we spend a lot of time trying to get away from the sun. But when the sun comes out in Ireland everyone is so cheerful and happy. I feel that now too, the joy that comes with Spring and brighter days after the dark winter” she added.
Letterkenny’s Indian community regularly come together to celebrate traditional festivals.
The next events in their calendar are Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja and Diwali, all festivals which hold deep cultural significance in the Hindu tradition.
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