Surati Holi Hai attracts thousands to Jersey City

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On Saturday, June 15, Surati for Performing Arts hosted its 14th Annual Holi Hai Festival of Colors in Exchange Place, in Jersey City. The festival attracted more than 3000 people, a press release from the organization said.

Starting with a color walk from Hoboken’s Pier A Park, the large group gathered at Montgomery Street in Exchange Place to participate in the festivities, which included multicultural performances by over 50 artists, a variety of food and beverages, retail vendors, DJ and kid-friendly recreational and educational activities.

The day began with a Yoga workshop by Luis Lujan. Children’s dance performances followed, and then the adults took over for an all-day celebration through a series of performances that included traditional Indian classical dance and music, Bollywood, Indian classical Jazz Fusion, Bhangra, Garba, and Belly Dancing.

The half-hourly color countdowns were a favorite as people enthusiastically threw colored powder in the air accompanied by energetic music. Later in the afternoon, DJ Karma played for house rousing the crowd, the press release said.

The slogan of the festival was, “When everyone is colorful, no one is special.” People of different ethnicities and cultures mingled to celebrate.

In partnership with the Health and Recreational departments of Jersey City, students of JC schools were allowed free entry to the color walk as part of the Healthier JC and Opioid Prevention initiatives for which Surati is working to create more health and fitness events this summer.

“14 years ago, we started Holi as a small gathering indoors at a restaurant in Journal Square. Thanks to the support we have received over the years from sponsors, donors, and the community, the festival has grown significantly to become a destination event on the New Jersey-Hudson County-Jersey City & Hoboken waterfront,” Founder and Artistic Director of Surati for Performing Arts, Rimli Roy, is quoted saying in the press release.

Dignitaries who attended the event included Gina Hulings – director of Hudson County Cultural Affairs, William O’Dea – Hudson County Commissioner, Joyce Watterman – Jersey City Council President, James Solomon- Jersey City Councilman for Ward E, and former Governor of NJ – James McGreevey.

Holi Hai 2024 was sponsored by the Exchange Place Alliance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, The Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Jersey City Cultural Affairs, and Curry-On Restaurant.

Surati’s 2024 programming is supported in part by the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, The Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, NJ Arts & Culture Renewal Fund, NJ Tourism (visit NJ), The National Endowment for the Arts and by donors.