The vibrant spirit of Haryanvi Holi filled the air at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont on March 14, 2026, as the Haryanvi Bay Area Association (HBA)—the oldest nonprofit dedicated to Haryanvi culture in the San Francisco Bay Area—brought together families from Haryana and the wider Bay Area community for a joyful and traditional celebration.
Hundreds of attendees, including long-time residents and newly arrived families, gathered to celebrate the festival of colors in authentic Haryanvi style. The event buzzed with enthusiastic play using water, koldas (water guns), and vibrant gulal (colored powders), perfectly capturing the lively and spirited Holi traditions of Haryana. Laughter and cheers echoed across the park as participants of all ages splashed one another, danced to folk tunes, and smeared colors on friends and family, embodying the festival’s timeless themes of joy, renewal, and togetherness.
Enhancing the festive mood, the association arranged a delicious spread of snacks, sweets, juices, and hot tea throughout the day, followed by a hearty lunch featuring freshly made, garma-garam chole bhature served on-site. These shared meals strengthened community bonds, giving old friends a chance to reconnect while warmly welcoming newcomers into the group.
Organized by the Haryanvi Bay Area Association (HBA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to preserving and promoting Haryanvi heritage in the Bay Area, the event underscored the growing presence and enthusiasm of the Haryanvi diaspora. Such gatherings help strengthen cultural ties, pass cherished traditions to the next generation, and create lasting memories against the scenic backdrop of Lake Elizabeth.
As the colors gradually faded into smiles and shared stories, participants departed with full hearts, already eagerly anticipating next year’s Holi festivities. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Haryanvi Bay Area Association, the true essence of Haryana’s Holi continues to thrive vibrantly in California.”
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