A Gen Z view: My Holi in Full Color

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Holi has always been one of my favorite festivals. It’s a day filled with color, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that feels truly special. While Holi in India is known for grand scale celebrations with entire streets erupting in color, music, and festivity, my experience growing up in the United States has been different but just as meaningful. Here, Holi is not just a cultural tradition; it is a way to connect with my roots while also sharing the celebration with friends from different backgrounds.

One of the best parts of Holi is the community festivals. Every year, my family and I attend Holi events hosted by local temples, cultural centers, or university organizations. The moment I step into my local temple in Queens, I feel different—music playing in the background, people greeting each other with handfuls of brightly colored powder, and an overall sense of joy in the air. Everyone starts off in white clothing, but within minutes, those whites have all sorts of colors on them. The excitement of being surrounded by people laughing, dancing, and celebrating together makes it one of the most anticipated days of the year.

At home, we gather in the backyard, armed with packets of gulal, and start off carefully applying color to each other’s cheeks as a sign of respect and love. Of course, that doesn’t last long, and within minutes, it turns into a full-on color battle—running around, and making sure no one escapes without being completely covered. The simplicity of the moment, the laughter as we chase each other around, and the shared excitement is why I love this festival so much.

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Holi is incomplete without delicious sweets and snacks. My family makes gujiyas, a sweet pastry filled with coconut and nuts, and chaat, a spicy and tangy dish. There is also thandai, a traditional Holi drink infused with spices and milk. I remember sitting together after all the chaos, enjoying these homemade treats, and talking about past Holi memories.

I have come to love sharing Holi with my non-Indian friends. Every year, I invite them to join in. At first, they are hesitant, unsure of what to expect. But the moment they throw their first handful of colors, they completely embrace the festival. They dance, eat, and immerse themselves in the tradition with so much enthusiasm that by the end of the day, they are asking when we can celebrate again. It is a beautiful experience, seeing my culture bring people together, breaking barriers, and creating moments of pure happiness.

Holi is also a time to connect with my culture and tradition. Growing up in the U.S., there have been times when I felt a disconnect from my cultural heritage, but Holi always brings me back. It is a time when my identity as a South Asian American feels whole. I am celebrating a festival deeply rooted in my heritage while also making it my own in the environment I grew up in. The festival has become a bridge between generations, with my parents sharing stories of how they celebrated in India while my friends and I create our own version of those traditions here.

I appreciate Holi’s message of renewal and forgiveness. Traditionally, Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and the start of a new season. Beyond that, it is a reminder to let go of negativity and start fresh. The act of throwing colors and getting drenched in hues feels symbolic. It is as if, for one day, we can let go of worries, stress, and differences. In a world that often feels divided, Holi is a celebration that unites people.

Holi’s popularity is growing in the U.S. Universities, city parks, and even mainstream brands have started hosting Holi celebrations, making the festival more accessible to people outside the South Asian community. Some of these events focus more on the fun and less on the cultural significance. However,  more people getting to experience the joy of Holi is a testament to how celebrations can transcend borders and bring people together, regardless of background.

The essence of my Holi celebrations in the U.S. remains the same as in India: that of joy, togetherness, and new beginnings, whether I am celebrating at a large festival or in my own backyard. Holi is a  time to let go of worries, and enjoy my time with my family and friends, a time to have a sense of belonging and connection, a time filled with love and long lasting memories.

Related posts:

Celebrating colors, camaraderie and community Holi: Ancient Tradition For Modern Times Where Everybody Knows Your Name! Holi in America Holi: Memories of Homeland– Remembering the gone days of colorful joy!