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Holi Draws Crowds From Bay Area to Johannesburg as Weekend Festivals Splash Cities With Color

Organizers cast the gatherings as a way to connect younger generations to Indian heritage.

Overview

  • Thousands took part across the Bay Area and abroad over March 7–8, a weekend of public celebrations following this year’s midweek Holi date.
  • In downtown San Jose, a major Holi at Discovery Meadow Park hosted by the Association of Indo Americans with Bolly 92.3 FM featured dancing, food stalls and free color throws.
  • Families packed East Bay events such as Dublin’s Sewa International gathering, where parents emphasized using the festival to teach children about their culture.
  • International celebrations ranged from a council-backed street event in Southampton to Johannesburg festivities led by the India Club and India’s Consulate, where Acting Consul General Harish Kumar praised the festival’s embrace as a sign of strong cultural ties.
  • Event formats spanned free community festivals to ticketed neon parties, with some venues, including Durham University’s Oriental Museum, using timed throws and skin-friendly, eco-conscious powders.