- Monday, February 24, 2025
It’s a Hindu celebration for the start of spring but it’s also the celebration of love, forgiveness and renewal, Gething, who assumed office in March, said.
By: Shubham Ghosh
VAUGHAN GETHING, the first minister of Wales, joined an event of the Indian government to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colour and love, at Cardiff Castle on Sunday, April 28.
The 50-year-old, who took the office in March succeeded Mark Drakeford, enjoyed the occasion and was drenched in bright colours, with which the festival is celebrated worldwide in spring.
The event was organised by the Indian honorary consul in Wales, Raj Aggarwal, and was attended by hundreds of devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, Gething, who is a Zambian-born said, “It’s a Hindu celebration for the start of spring but it’s also the celebration of love, forgiveness and renewal. It’s a real celebration of how our country is enriched by our diversity and a barrel load of fun as well.”
A modern Wales should be able to recognise the diversity of our people as a strength.
As we celebrate the year of #WalesInIndia we're celebrating the vibrant cultures existing in Wales right now.
Here's @PrifWeinidog with more. pic.twitter.com/HTo0XHvT8m
— Welsh Government International ??????? (@walesintheworld) May 8, 2024
Read: Welsh first minister to urge Tata not to shut blast furnaces
The three-hour long celebration also included Indian music performances and traditional Raas Garba dance by members of Shree Shree Swaminarayan Temple Cardiff.
Hundreds celebrated with gulal, the traditional colour powder, and wore sunglasses and white T shirts that were provided.
“This is a huge event for all Hindus in Wales and it is especially fantastic that it is open to people of all religious faiths to come and share such a joyous occasion and to enjoy our wonderfully diverse and inclusive society.” Aggarwal said.
