Thousands gathered in Richmond Hill, Queens, on Sunday, March 23, to welcome spring with the vibrant celebration of Holi at the 37th annual Phagwah Parade. Liberty Avenue was transformed into a sea of colors as revelers joyfully threw powdered pigments, danced, and participated in a grand cultural display.
The festivities kicked off well before the official 10 a.m. start, with dozens of floats rolling down the parade route. Spiritual leaders from the Federation of Hindu Mandirs led the event with traditional mantras and prayers, setting a reverent tone before giving way to high-energy performances. Indian dancers in regal sarees captivated the crowd with their movements, while the NYPD Marching Band delivered an impressive musical display. Meanwhile, DJs filled the streets with Indo-Caribbean and modern Indian beats, keeping attendees swaying to the rhythmic celebration.
Queens Borough President Richard Donovan and Queens Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Grech embraced the spirit of the festival, donning Hakoba kurtas as they mingled with attendees. They were joined by Hakoba CEO Mukesh Shah, who took part in the celebrations and wished the crowd a joyful Holi. Specializing in traditional Indian fashion, Shah encouraged attendees to embrace their heritage through cultural attire, inviting them to explore Hakoba’s designs.
The parade, which started at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street, once again solidified Richmond Hill’s reputation as the heart of America’s Indo-Caribbean and Indian community. The event brought together people of all backgrounds in a dazzling display of unity, tradition, and festivity, making the 37th Phagwah Parade a resounding success.
