2nd Holi on the Hill was organised by Member of Parliament Mr Chandra Arya, in collaboration with High Commission of India, on March 10, 2017 at the Parliament Complex in Ottawa.  The event was attended by more than 500 people.

  The chair of the organising committee, Ms Lovina Srivastava, emceed the programme.  Hindu Priest Pandit Ravindra Narayan Pandey facilitated lighting of the lamp and Pushpanjali.  Prime Minister of Canada Mr Justin Trudeau sent a warm message of greeting that was read by MP Mr Raj Saini.   High Commissioner of India, Mr Vikas Swarup, MP Mr Chandra Arya and MP Ms Bardish Chagger spoke on the event.  A special honour song was presented by MP Mr Robert Falcon Ouellette in Aboriginal Cree language.  The programme concluded with a unique Holi ceremonial act presented by Darpan Performing Arts which took the audience to Brijbhoomi where Gopis were preparing for Holi and conspired to colour Lord Krishna.  A reception over Indian delicacies followed.

  Besides High Commissioner of India and the Members of Parliament, High Commissioners of Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well as Ambassadors of Thailand and Turkey graced the occasion.

  The Festival of Colours was enjoyed by all the guests that was visible in the enthusiasm spreading around in the form of gulal.

Ottawa

17 March 2017