The local Indian community came together under the beautiful cloudy Las Vegas sky to celebrate the colorful Holi festival.  The Holi picnic, organized by the Friends of India, was well attended by over 200 members of the community with special Holi themed Bollywood dance performances by the local kids and adults alike.  The beautiful calm cool Vegas spring weather was the perfect background for the Holi festivities with a vibrant riot of dry colors.

For the first time, Friends of India started charging for the Holi festivities and luncheon from both members and non-members.  Holi powders in assorted colors were provided by the club along with the lunch buffet catered by the Bombay Indian Cuisine.

Interestingly, the local Congressman Ruben Kihuen, who is accused of sexual misbehavior from several women, was in attendance.  As per one of the members of the FOI Executive Committee, Congressman Kihuen was personally invited by the Friends of India President John George. No other elected official was invited and/or attended the Saturday event.  The Executive Committee members were stunned to learn via text from John George that the disgraced Congressman will be attending the event.  It appears that no one in attendance knew about the severity of the allegations against the Congressman.

In December, reports started pouring in from numerous women alleging sexual harassment from Congressman Kihuen.  With those allegations, Congressman Kihuen decided to not to run in 2018, however, being an incumbent with over $400,000 in hand he is keeping all his options open and is seriously contemplating a run for his current seat.  Congressman Kihuen is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The Democrat leadership including Nancy Pelosi called for his resignation right after the news surfaced accusing sexual harassment by Congressman Kihuen.  Additionally, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Ben Ray Luján also called on Kihuen to resign from his position as a Congressman.

Based on the current slate of candidates and the fundraising capabilities, some community members in attendance feel that Congressman, after all, may be able to retain his congressional seat.  Previously Vegasdesi reported on political donations from the members of the Indian sub-continent community, totaling over $110,000, to the morally challenged Congressman.

Keeping aside the attendance by the accused Congressman Kihuen, every attendee enjoyed the colors, the food and socializing with the friends and family.

Check out the Pictures – Holi 2018

Pictures courtesy of vegasdesi.com and Chirag Patel.

Filing deadline has passed and the incumbent Congressman Ruben Kihuen did not file for reelection.