B.C. Premier Horgan issued a statement today for the Hindu festival Holi, from today (March 28) to tomorrow (March 29) and the Sikh festival Hola Mohalla, which begins on Monday (March 29) and continues until Wednesday (March 31):

"This week many British Columbians around the province are celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, which marks the victory of good over evil. Bonfires will be lit to burn away the evil spirits and usher in the joy of spring.

"This time of the year is also celebrated by the Sikh community as Hola Mohalla, a three-day celebration of martial skill, music, and poetry.

"Known as the festival of colours, Holi is traditionally marked with big, bright community festivals and parties where people gather together to eat the traditional gujiya and dahi vada, sing and dance, and paint each other with coloured dyes. The festival reminds us of the importance of breaking down divisions by colouring everyone equally.

"With B.C.'s immunization plan, we can feel hope of a gradual return to normal in the months ahead, but we know that Holi and Hola Mohalla will look different again this year. However, the festival's spirit of bringing people together will remain—even while we're apart.

"I wish all British Columbians celebrating within their households a joyful and colourful Holi and Hola Mohalla with happy thoughts for brighter days ahead of us.

"Holi Hai! Hola Mohalla Mubarak!"