Students run riot with paint on Holi

NorthTec students enjoying splashing paint on each other during holi celebrations. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Identifying those smeared in vivid powder paint became easy as exuberance and colour ran riot at NorthTec during celebration of the ancient Hindu festival of Holi.

Students from the different Indian states studying at the tertiary institution in Raumanga, particularly those from Punjab, put up a lively performance of traditional dancing and singing yesterday.

But the paint smearing was, as expected, the crowning event and those who otherwise observed the events from a distance joined in at the sight of water, paint and dry powder.

Dry powder mixed with water before being smeared on each other. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Most of the celebrations were held in the foyer of the campus' Apprentice Cafe while the paint throwing was staged on the lawn overlooking the eatery.

Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that traditionally heralds the arrival of spring in India and is held to celebrate life through the use of colours. Among those who took advantage of the scorching weather was American tourist Tony Albany who is visiting his daughter in Whangarei.

He joined the stage with Indian students and was full of praise for Indian culture and tradition.

"I've been to Indian weddings before ... it's a great culture. I am very impressed with what they have to offer and respect their culture very much."

Mr Albany said it felt good to join a group of future scientists and tax administrators, referring to the students. It was his first trip to Whangarei and he said he was enchanted with New Zealand's ecology.

Some of those that took part in the paint smearing event. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Whangarei Girls' High School student Azariah Sylva was also full of praise for what she witnessed. Her mother who works at NorthTec told her last week about Holi and she decided to attend the event.

"I love the fact they (Indian students) want to show us their culture," she said.

NorthTec international marketing manager, Sakshi Vij, was impressed with the effort put in by not just Indian but all students as well as staff at the campus. "Last year not everyone was aware of the event but people are really enjoying it this year, including homestays who look after our Chinese and other international students."

NorthTec students enjoying splashing paint on each other during holi celebrations. Photo / Michael Cunningham