The Holi Picnic, an annual celebration of the vibrant and joyous Indian festival of colors, saw over 250 attendees come together to enjoy the beautiful Las Vegas weather and the festive spirit of the occasion. The event, full of fun, music, dancing, dining and the traditional throwing of colored powders, was a fantastic gathering that brought together friends, families, and members of the local Indian community.

Saroj Chatterjee, the incoming President of Friends of India, welcomed attendees with warm enthusiasm, setting the stage for an unforgettable Holi celebration. The event was not just a celebration of colors but also an exciting display of India’s diverse cultural traditions. The festivities took a unique twist this year by incorporating regional dances and performances, bringing together various communities to share in the joy of the occasion.

The afternoon began with a casual yet inviting atmosphere, as guests sipped chai and nibbled on Indian fried snacks – samosa and aaloo bonda. The first highlight of the day was a Rajasthani puppet show, directed by Anu Sharma. This traditional form of entertainment provided a colorful introduction to the event, giving guests a taste of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

Next, members of the local Marathi community took center stage, performing the traditional village-fair dance. The performance was a lively representation of the communal spirit and rural festivities of Maharashtra, with women and children showcasing their lively energy and rhythm.

The celebration continued with a Southern Indian touch, as ladies demonstrated the graceful Kolata stick dance. Under the direction of local dance guru Santrupti Margad, the dancers moved with precision and elegance, twirling and clashing their sticks in a captivating display. Traditionally, the Kolata dance involves both men and women, but this performance had a twist—there were no men to be seen. Despite their absence in the dance, the men of the community were not left out, as they took to the stage for an energetic tiger dance. With their Bollywood-inspired moves, they delighted the crowd, adding a fun and playful element to the event.

However, the true highlight of the afternoon came with the stunning Ghoomar “twirling” dance under the tutelage of Chandra Mehta. Over 25 local women dressed in beautiful Rajasthani attire gathered on stage to perform this iconic dance. The Ghoomar dance is known for its graceful spins and traditional steps. The amateur performers swirled in perfect synchrony, and their colorful ghagras “long skirts” spinning in the air, creating a visual spectacle that left the audience in awe. The dance added a touch of elegance and grandeur to the already vibrant festivities.

Following the vibrant and colorful cultural performances, the mood shifted to the communal luncheon, where the hungry attendees were treated to a delicious and hearty buffet spread. The luncheon was catered by India Palace. The meal was centered around two favorite Indian dishes: Bhaturey with Choley and Kadi Chawal. The warm, fluffy Bhaturey, served straight from the fryer, was paired with a rich, flavorful Choley. 

After a delicious luncheon that brought people together over food, the real fun began: a lively celebration of Holi with music, dancing, and, of course, the enormous spectacle color throw. However, more the half of the attendees left immediately after the luncheon. While many attendees arrived with high spirits, there was a noticeable shift in the crowd dynamics compared to previous years. The old-timers, who have celebrated Holi for years, were conspicuously absent, leaving the stage for a new generation of revelers to take over the festivities. Though it may have been a smaller crowd than in years past, the energy was no less vibrant and united by a shared spirit of fun and festivity.

However, the event was marked by a somewhat overlooked milestone—Friends of India, the organizing group behind the celebration, turned 40 this year. Despite four decades of unwavering dedication to celebrating significant Indian festivals and national holidays, the milestone went unrecognized during the festivities. Celebrating this significant anniversary could have been a wonderful opportunity to honor those who helped establish the organization and contributed to its continuity, as they were present to celebrate Holi.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere was one of joy, camaraderie, and celebration. Guests from all walks of life came together to appreciate the beauty of Indian culture, from lively dances to delightful luncheon while also reveling in the colors and cheer that Holi brings. 

Colorful Holi celebrations pictures…https://photos.app.goo.gl/TUfBLy8xRQepffF59