Hundreds of Newtonians gathered to celebrate the Indian Spring Festival of Holi on March 30 at Newton City Hall. Newton Holi was organized by Indian-American Newtonians to share this beautiful and inclusive festival with friends and neighbors. Holi celebrates diversity, equality, and love. Everyone becomes immersed in the colors of Holi making us all equal and beautiful. It is an ancient festival that breaks down barriers between people as strangers; friends and neighbors come together to celebrate this day. Holi also symbolizes joy in its purest form, celebrating the rebirth of spring.
The Holi event at Newton City Hall began with a cultural program in the War Memorial Auditorium, featuring performers of all ages performing dances from across India. Emcees Sarina Chand (16) and Reeya Wadhwani (16) began the program by explaining the meaning and significance of Holi. “By celebrating Holi, we are keeping our culture and traditions alive in America, and instilling pride,” said Sarina Chand.
The young students of Sushmita Biswas began the show by bravely taking the stage for their first-ever dance performance. Following the youngsters, Neela Gandhi, President of the United India Association, addressed the crowd. Rajiv Parlikar, Newton School Committee Member, then spoke about the importance of bringing the community together and sharing cultural traditions such as Holi.
Next, Anushya Chandran, Meera Sudhakar, and Ritika Gurjar — from the Triveni School of Dance and taught by world-renowned dancer and guru, Neena Gulati — performed the exquisite Odissi classical dance. They mesmerized the crowd with their movement, expression, and costumes performing a Moksha representing spiritual liberation and purity.
Zamana, the dance ensemble of the South Asian Student Association at Newton South High School, took the stage with excitement and energy, performing a medley of dances from across India, choreographed by Kaveri Krishnamoorthy, Diya Misra, and Sarina Chand. The students delighted the audience with their upbeat and charismatic dance moves.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller then welcomed the audience and thanked the performers, encouraging more community gatherings. She expressed her happiness at seeing so many people coming together to celebrate Holi. Finally, Shamila Khetarpal of BollyX brought the audience out of their seats and onto the stage for some high-energy Bollywood dancing.
Filled with enthusiasm, the crowd exited onto the grass at City Hall where dry vibrant color powder, called gulal, was distributed. The fun began as people became immersed in colors. Bollywood music filled the air as people danced, threw color at one another, and took photos.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Holi and participate in this vibrant festival. Our city is a more beautiful place when we gather to share culture, knowledge, and joy. All are welcome to celebrate Newton Holi next year.
Rakashi Chand has been one of the organizers of Newton’s Holi celebration since its start in 2021.
