Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, has gained widespread recognition in the U.S., with celebrations expanding from traditional gatherings to large-scale public events. Anshul Virmani, a software consultant and event planner in Pennsylvania, notes that his colleagues start inquiring about Holi long before his own children do, eager to participate in the “color festival.”
Over the past decade, Holi celebrations have grown across the country, filling weekends with a variety of events. South Asian communities are finding innovative ways to celebrate, from family-friendly gatherings in parks to neon-themed Holi parties in nightclubs. These events are also attracting a diverse audience, introducing the festival’s spirit of unity and joy to more people.
Virmani’s AV Entertainment will host six Holi events this year, including the Holi Cruise Party on the Hudson River, featuring eco-friendly streamers and decks for dancing. “We’ve seen a lot of non-South Asians attending our events,” he says, crediting their enthusiasm for motivating organizers to expand Holi celebrations.
Holi’s origins are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Some traditions link it to the story of Prahlada and Holika from the Bhagavata Purana, while others associate it with Lord Krishna playfully applying colors to Radha. Traditionally, families light bonfires, exchange sweets, and joyfully chase each other with colored powders while shouting, “Holi hai!” (It’s Holi!).
For Prashant Kakad, a musician and DJ in Portland, Oregon, Holi has always been a symbol of belonging. As a student at Cornell University, he found comfort in seeing Holi celebrations even among non-Hindu classmates. Now, he organizes Portland’s largest Holi event, expecting nearly 5,000 attendees this year. “The festival’s essence remains intact, whether celebrated in a bar or temple parking lot,” he says, emphasizing its role in fostering joy and cultural unity.
In Los Angeles, Mandeep Pabla is preparing for his second annual Holi & the Beach festival in Redondo Beach. Featuring a main stage, celebrity DJs, and sponsorship from Sprite, the event sold out last year with over 5,000 attendees. Pabla envisions it as “the next Coachella for the Indian community,” aiming to make Holi a mainstream festival. Interestingly, nearly 40% of attendees were non-Indian, drawn to his modern take on the traditional event. “We’re pushing our culture forward,” Pabla says.
While many see Holi as a celebration of friendship and joy, artist and educator Jayanthi Moorthy hopes to deepen cultural understanding. She organizes Holi Art Studio sessions, where children explore colors through personal and environmental reflections. Her organization, Aksara, also hosts “Holi on the Hudson” in Manhattan, where families fly kites in place of throwing powders, symbolizing spring’s arrival.
As Holi celebrations evolve in the U.S., blending tradition with contemporary flair, they continue to unite communities and introduce the festival’s joyous spirit to an ever-growing audience.
