San Ramon’s annual Holi celebration was hosted at City Center Bishop Ranch on April 7th, bringing the Bay Area community together to celebrate the auspicious festival of colors. The event, marked by its vivid display of colored powders, traditional dance performances, and an array of Indian cuisine, displayed a microcosm of the festival’s deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Traditionally, Holi is celebrated for its themes of good overcoming evil and spring’s arrival, which encourages unity and a sense of community. It is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology, representing the eternal love between the deities Radha and Lord Krishna. The celebration attracts both the Indian diaspora and individuals from various cultural backgrounds who are eager to partake in the festivities.

The City Center event featured several lively performances by local dance groups, including the Ritu Singh Dance Company, who brought contemporary Bollywood music to life through their dances. Additionally, the festival was marked by a significant culinary presence, with food stalls offering traditional Indian snacks and desserts to the attendees.

“There is such a large Indian community in San Ramon, that Holi is starting to spread around. It’s really cool to see that it is bringing together our community regardless of where [everyone is] from,” DVHS Sophomore Meghana Loke, who was in attendance, said.

The City Center Bishop Ranch celebration is an example of how festivals can enhance cultural awareness and exchanges. The crowd of over 300 San Ramon residents consisted of a diverse population, with many celebrating Holi for the first time.

“It’s exciting to see the community coming together to celebrate this festival and spread the colors,” Ritu Singh Dance Company’s members expressed.