Bay Area Jews and Hindus celebrate joint Holi-Purim event

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The Hindu American Foundation, Bay Area chapter, celebrated Holi in a unique way this year, joining up with Jewish Silicon Valley, to observe Holi and Purim together.

More than 500 people gathered at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos, California, March 9, 2025, for a Holi-Purim interfaith celebration.

The two joyous festivals took place outdoors with music, dancing, cultural performances, food, interactive booths, crafts, henna, Purim costumes and Holi colors.

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“The Hindu and the Jewish communities had a fabulous time playing Holi with each other, many in costumes that’s are popular Purim tradition,” HAF said in a press release.

Happiness, interfaith unity and the celebration of good over evil were the themes of the event. The story of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu was narrated through classical dance by Snigda Venkataramani and her son Arohan and so was the story of queen Esther.

The Mayor of Cupertino, Liang Chao, attended the event and presented HAF, JCRC, and Jewish Silicon Valley with certificates of recognition.

“We are grateful to Senator Josh Becker for prioritizing Holi Purim and making the event more memorable by his enthusiastic participation,” organizers said in the press release.

Children and adults from both the communities were covered in colors from head to toe “with the brightest smiles on their faces and getting Henna designs done.”

HAF’s Community Outreach Director Ramya Ramakrishnan, Jessica Blitchok, director of Community Partnerships at JCRC and Maya Tripp of Jewish Life and Cultural Director at Jewish Silicon Valley planned, collaborated and organized the event

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