Holi – Hindu Festival of Colour

I had visited Rotherhithe Community Kitchen earlier in the year and they invited me back to join them in celebrating Indian Festival of Holi characterised by throwing around coloured pigment. It was a community event, attended by families spanning generations – grandparents and toddlers. 

DL and former High Sheriff of Greater London attended, as did the borough’s Mayor, local MP. A Hindu priest explained the history and story behind the festival and the sybolism of the fire that was lit. The event was held at a school and the ceremony took in the school playground. The ceremonial fire was lit in an aluminium tray. Had the ceremony taken place in India, a full sized pyre would have been built and set alight. 

The Rotherhithe Community Kitchen (which I have visited twice) is one of three centres I have visited that provide meals for those in need. The others are “The Father’s Feast” in Ilford and “The Vine” in Streatham. They all function on a voluntary basis, with volunteers cooking and serving the meals and providing support of many kinds to those who attend and may not otherwise have a warm nourishing meal. The services are especially valuable during inclement weather. They provide dry, warm accommodation as well as company.