BBC Radio London Interview with Founder Puja on Holi
Celebrating Holi in Barking: A Festival of Unity, Color, and Empowerment
Holi, the Hindu "Festival of Colors," and the vibrant spirit of this ancient tradition is coming to the heart of Barking. In a recent interview with BBC Radio London, Puja Lakhmania, the founder of Events2Empower, shared the details of this year's massive celebration and the deeper meaning behind the festivities.
What is Holi?
Holi is one of the most joyful festivals celebrated in India and by communities worldwide. As Puja explained [00:52], it marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes:
Happiness and positivity.
The victory of good over negativity.
Unity and the beauty of diversity.
Traditionally, families and friends gather to dance, enjoy music, share festive food, and—most famously—play with colorful powders [01:08].
The Barking Celebration: What to Expect
The event is set to take place at Abbey Green (near Abbey Park) from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM [01:26]. Attendees can look forward to a high-energy atmosphere featuring:
Live Entertainment: DJs, community dance performances, and Bollywood workshops [01:33].
Women’s Empowerment: This year’s event coincides with International Women’s Day celebrations. Many of the stall holders are women entrepreneurs, providing them a platform to build confidence and exhibit their products [01:51].
Cricket Live Stream: For those worried about missing the big India match, the organizers have set up a special screen so you can enjoy the festival without missing a single wicket [02:05].
Dress Code: While white is the traditional clothing of choice to make the colors pop, Puja says it doesn’t matter what you wear—you're going to be painted by the end of the day anyway! [02:23].
More Than Just a Festival
Events2Empower has been a staple in the Barking community for 17 years [02:55]. Beyond Holi, the organization hosts a variety of events including Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Indian Independence Day celebrations in partnership with the Barking Council [03:13].
Their mission extends into weekly community support, offering free workshops every Wednesday at the Barking Library, including [03:35]:
Zumba Classes: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Kids Bollywood Dance: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
"Say No to Screens": An initiative encouraging kids to play outdoors from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM [04:01].
Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-timer, the Holi celebration is an invitation to experience the warmth and color of the Barking community.
Watch the full interview here: Puja Lakhmania on BBC London
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