Foreigners take part in Holi celebrations in Puri
Bhubaneswar/Puri: Many foreign visitors enthusiastically participated in the Holi celebrations in Puri on Saturday. They gathered at Chakratirtha Road near the beach and joined locals in spreading joy and colours.
The foreigners wore traditional Indian attire and danced to popular folk songs. The Indian Japan Friendship Centre, an organisation working on the promotion of tourism links between the two nations, organised the Holi celebrations.
“We briefed the international tourists about the cultural and religious significance of the festival. They were fascinated by the use of natural herbal colours made from flowers and herbs. Many of them expressed delight in experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of Puri during the festive occasion,” president of India Japan Friendship Centre, Srimanta Kumar Dash, said.
Local shopkeepers and residents welcomed the foreign guests with traditional sweets and delicacies. “We enjoyed the festival of colours. We will return with nice memories. The locals are very joyous and friendly,” said Kanako Yamaura (46), a tourist from Nagasaki, Japan.
Several foreigners captured the colourful moments on their cameras and shared their experiences on social media. The Puri beach also witnessed celebrations where tourists played with colours while enjoying the sea breeze. Some foreign visitors participated in special Holi programmes organised by local cultural groups. They learned traditional Holi songs and the significance of various customs associated with the festival.
The district administration made special arrangements for the safety and comfort of international tourists. Police personnel were deployed at key locations to ensure smooth celebrations. Medical facilities were also available to address any immediate health concerns.
The foreign tourists appreciated the warmth and hospitality of Puri residents. “We will plan to come next year to celebrate Holi again. The cultural exchange strengthened the bond with the local community. We are carrying back memorable experiences of Indian festivities,” said Nachos Miyahara (42), another tourist from Tokyo.
The foreigners wore traditional Indian attire and danced to popular folk songs. The Indian Japan Friendship Centre, an organisation working on the promotion of tourism links between the two nations, organised the Holi celebrations.
“We briefed the international tourists about the cultural and religious significance of the festival. They were fascinated by the use of natural herbal colours made from flowers and herbs. Many of them expressed delight in experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of Puri during the festive occasion,” president of India Japan Friendship Centre, Srimanta Kumar Dash, said.
Local shopkeepers and residents welcomed the foreign guests with traditional sweets and delicacies. “We enjoyed the festival of colours. We will return with nice memories. The locals are very joyous and friendly,” said Kanako Yamaura (46), a tourist from Nagasaki, Japan.
Several foreigners captured the colourful moments on their cameras and shared their experiences on social media. The Puri beach also witnessed celebrations where tourists played with colours while enjoying the sea breeze. Some foreign visitors participated in special Holi programmes organised by local cultural groups. They learned traditional Holi songs and the significance of various customs associated with the festival.
The district administration made special arrangements for the safety and comfort of international tourists. Police personnel were deployed at key locations to ensure smooth celebrations. Medical facilities were also available to address any immediate health concerns.
The foreign tourists appreciated the warmth and hospitality of Puri residents. “We will plan to come next year to celebrate Holi again. The cultural exchange strengthened the bond with the local community. We are carrying back memorable experiences of Indian festivities,” said Nachos Miyahara (42), another tourist from Tokyo.
