FREMONT, CA: Holi is a great festive occasion to celebrate and inundate each other with a rainbow of colors. Thousands of people gathered to spread cheer and enjoy delicious food, dazzling music and cultural extravaganza, raffle prizes, and dance to the beats of Desi Dhol.
An ancient Indian festival, Holi celebrates Hindu legends while rejoicing in the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. While based in religious tradition, the holiday has become a popular event that welcomes all to participate in a celebration of brotherhood.
Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA) of Northern California, Fremont Hindu Temple, and Festival of Globe (FOG) had organized their 39th Holi festival celebration on a grand scale on March 19 at Dixon Landing Park, Milpitas. There was tremendous response to the Holi event. It seemed as if an ocean of people had congregated to celebrate Holi.
Over five thousand people enjoyed with great enthusiasm. In order to reduce pollution, skin irritations and make the festival environment friendly, Holi featured biodegradable and skin-friendly colors. People enjoyed music and DJ so much that they were requesting for music even after the event closing time.
Dr Romesh Japra, President and Convener (FIA) said, “FIA Holi has over the years played an important role in keeping our culture alive and inculcating pious values in our youngsters.
Holi is a great festive occasion to celebrate and wish each other and get inundated with a rainbow of colors. It was difficult to recognize faces as they were all covered in multitude of colors. The entire gathering morphed into a huge family with people applying color to each other and making friends. It was also an opportune time to renew and make new friendships. People from all over California came to participate in the festivities.
Many dignitaries and community leaders participated in Holi.
Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves said, “We are really proud and grateful that Holi festival has come to Milpitas. After all Milpitas is city of diversity and we want people from all the ethnicities to join in.”
Air India was the platinum sponsor for the Holi event. Air India started its nonstop flights between the Bay Area and New Delhi starting Dec. 2, 2015.
The thrice-weekly flights out of San Francisco International Airport will use Boeing 777 long-range aircraft that seats eight in first class, 35 in business class and 195 in economy for a total of 238 passengers.
FIA has upcoming event ‘Festival of Globe’ to be held from August 5 to August 14. It will include Mela, Cultural and Musical Extravaganza in Fremont on August 13 and 14, Grand Parade in Fremont on August 14, FOG Movie Fest at various theaters in San Jose during August 5-12 and FOG awards on August 14. Brand new www.fogsv.org website was launched at this grand occasion.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
