By Krishiv Shah
Every March, as the air begins to warm and the days grow longer, I’m reminded of Holi—one of the most vibrant and joyful times of year for Indian Americans like me. Holi, the ancient Hindu festival of colors, symbolizes the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and a time to let go of past grievances and celebrate new beginnings. But for many Indian American youth, it’s so much more: it’s a celebration of identity, community, and culture.
Growing up in America, I often heard about “color runs”—fun, non-denominational races where runners are showered with colored powders. I didn’t realize until I was older that these events borrowed heavily from Holi, often without mentioning the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual roots. Holi isn’t just about color play; it’s a tradition rooted in stories of devotion and triumph, like Prahlada’s faith in Lord Vishnu and Krishna’s playful frolics with Radha.
For many of us in the diaspora, Holi bridges our two worlds. I’ll never forget those sunny March mornings at our local park, dressed in plain white T-shirts that by afternoon were completely transformed into kaleidoscopes of color. My sister and I would race our friends with water balloons and gulal powder, while my parents and the other aunties and uncles prepared laddus and flower garlands for the temple puja.
Holi in America has become more than just an Indian holiday; it’s a celebration that brings people together, regardless of background. Whether on rooftops in New York City or beaches in California, Holi events across the U.S. give Indian American youth a chance to connect with their heritage in meaningful ways. It’s a reminder that while we may be far from India, the colors of our culture stay with us—and we carry them proudly.
For me, Holi isn’t just a festival. It’s an anchor. It’s family, community, and history bursting to life in color—year after year.
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Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in International Studies and Business.
