Foreign Envoys Jump in Colourful Exuberance
By Mewati Sitaram – Beijing
The Embassy of China in Beijing organised “Vasant Mela-a celebration of colours” at the sprawling ‘India House’, residence of Indian Ambassador in China, Beijing on Saturday,12th March, 2023. The event was attended by over 3000 people. The visitors of different nations queued up to witness a mega event. Several top guests included Ambassadors from the United States, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka to name a few, besides several senior diplomats were also seen participating in the event.
The event was to begin at 11 am but people were already standing in a disciplined queue right from 10 am. The Embassy staff were seen helping visitors and guiding them to reach the venue quicker.
The chancery lawn had several stalls which were showcasing Indian handicrafts, diverse cuisines, yoga institutes stalls and many activities for children and adults. Several cultural spectaculars were also organised. Several dance acts were also organised which left every attendee stunned. There was a yoga performance on the stage which was well appreciated too. The Yoga guru invited four guests to perform yoga on the stage, but surprisingly more than 50 guests came running to participate, including youngsters and older. Many of the guests were turned away by organisers, due to paucity of adequate space on the stage. In yoga participations younger and older guests were participating with smile on their faces, it shows that yoga is well practised all across the globe.
The food stall of different states of India were a real craze amongst visitors to relish Indian delicacies. Punjabi, South India, Kerala and many more delicacies were available. One could see the long queues to get dishes of their choice. It was really a good feeling to be a part of this event.
To celebrate Holi celebration and display of Indian craft, culture and Indian cuisine, many Ambassadors and other diplomats have turned out in large numbers. One of the ambassadors who was attending the event, not identifying his country, said “I am a big fan of the Holi festival of India, and always ensure to attend it wherever I am posted. It really gives you a feeling of togetherness and bonding with each other”.
What is Holi Festival: Holi Festival traditionally marks the start of spring in India, as well as the triumph of good over evil. It is one of the country’s most widely celebrated festivals. Also known as ‘the festival of colours’ and the ‘festival of love’, it is celebrated over the course of a night and a day. The festival’s name and origins lie in the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
