The nearly 300 people who attended the Holi Indian Festival in Secaucus on April 7 were covered in many vibrant colors. The annual event took place on Millridge Road courtesy of the Town of Secaucus and The Indian Caucus of Secaucus.
A powdered color, gulal, that is traditionally put on the cheeks of participants, ended up covering the guests.
“We are having fun,” exclaimed resident Angali Gupta.
While the festival is a religious tradition, it also welcomes the spring season.
Mayor Michael Gonnelli, Councilman Gary Jeffas, President of the Board of Education Jack McStowe and two members of the board were a part of the festivities.
“I enjoy the excitement and what [Holi] stands for,” Gonnelli said. “Spring is here and things are coming to life.”
Continuing tradition
According to holifestival.org, Lord Krishna is associated with Holi since he applied colors unto his beloved Radha and other gopis, cow-herding girls.
Friends, family and strangers came together to wish each other a Happy Holi.
Resident Aarya Mehta said that the colors represented spring in full bloom.
This year a rainbow of colors in the form of purple, green, yellow, red, and orange covered the guests who helped to welcome the new season. Children anxiously came up in droves to cover themselves in color.
“[We are] welcoming spring with vibrant colors,” said Sheetal Nagpal, whose husband is the president and founder of The Indian Caucus of Secaucus.
The festival also included Indian music, food, and a drink called Thandai, which is cashew milk.
The Indian Caucus of Secaucus is a non-profit organization that serves the local Indian community. The organization was formed by President and Founder Rajesh Nagpal in 2010 to “preserve, promote, and enhance an understanding of the culture, traditions, and its values among children and other communities.”
Vanessa Cruz can be reached at vcruz@hudsonreporter.com