On March 19^th, over 250 people got together at Mission Hills Park. Revelers endured lower-than-average Vegas temperatures and the occasional rain shower to welcome spring and celebrate Holi – the spring festival of colors. Organized by the Friends of India Las Vegas (FOILV), the umbrella organization of the Indian community in Las Vegas, it featured food, performances, and of course, music and colors aplenty.

As part of new initiatives, the organization’s Youth Wing was launched on the same day for children up to 18 years old. Hopefully, that will bring the next generation into the fold and provide an opportunity for fellowship and team building in our youth, leading to long-term friendships and engagement.

The catered picnic meal included chaat, dahi bhalla, pav bhaji, other sweet and savory delicacies, and an endless hot tea, which was very welcome given the weather. Speeches were kept short, and performances on target included dance recitals and a short play welcoming Holi based on the seminal film Sholay, featuring community ladies providing their interpretation of Gabbar Singh and his gang.

Though the weather did not cooperate, everyone there seemed to have a good time performing bhangra, garba, dandia, disco, and freestyle to the tunes of Bollywood songs while liberally playing with color. Many visitors at the park stopped by once the colors started flying, wondering what was happening. It was an excellent opportunity to introduce one of the most popular Indian festivals to them through the Indian lens rather than the commercial variety that has increased through ticketed events such as the Color Run and Color Festival in the last few years.

The Holi “Rang Barse” Festival was the first event by the newly elected board of the organization, and its successful execution bodes well for its continued success.

Check out the pictures…

Holi Album 1. Holi Album 2. Holi Album 3. Courtesy of Vik Chohan Photography