Carney Holi Statement Highlights Community and Renewal
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement recognizing Holi, the vibrant Hindu Festival of Colours celebrated by millions of people in Canada and around the world.
In his March 4 message, the prime minister highlighted the cultural significance of the festival, which symbolizes renewal, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil.
Holi is traditionally marked by gatherings of family and friends who celebrate with brightly coloured powders and water, music, and festive meals. The festival also serves as a time for reflection and unity, bringing communities together in a spirit of joy and renewal.
Celebrating Community and Cultural Heritage
Carney noted that Holi offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Hindu Canadians across the country. According to federal estimates, more than 830,000 Hindu Canadians live in Canada, contributing to the country’s economic, cultural, and social life.
The prime minister emphasized that the festival reflects the strength of community and the shared values that shape Canada’s multicultural society.
Holi is a celebration of renewal, forgiveness, and the strength of community.
I had the opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Colours in Mumbai this week. And today, as Hindus in Canada and around the world gather with family and friends, I am wishing you all a happy Holi. pic.twitter.com/1UgWQafJtL
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 4, 2026
In his statement, Carney said the celebration is “a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community,” adding that he recently witnessed that spirit firsthand during a visit to India.
Holi Celebrations Across Canada
Holi is widely celebrated across Canada, particularly in major urban centres with large South Asian communities, including Toronto, Brampton, Surrey, Vancouver, and Calgary.
In the Greater Toronto Area, cultural organizations, temples, and community groups often host public Holi celebrations that feature music, dance, traditional foods, and the iconic throwing of colourful powders known as gulal.
These events bring together people from many cultural backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of the festival and Canada’s broader commitment to diversity.
A Message of Renewal
In closing his statement, the prime minister extended his best wishes to all those celebrating the festival.
“I extend my best wishes for a happy Holi to all those celebrating,” Carney said.
As communities gather across the country to mark the occasion, Holi continues to serve as a colourful symbol of renewal, cultural heritage, and the enduring strength of Canada’s multicultural fabric.
For more community stories and cultural celebrations across the Greater Toronto Area, follow GTA Weekly.
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