Presented by the India Cultural Center (ICC), HoliFest 2023 will be held Saturday, May 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich. It is ICC”™s version of Holi, which originated in India and is referred to as the “Festival of Colors” and the “Festival of Love.” ICC”™s annual springtime celebration is expected to draw more than 1,000 people.
The vibrant Holi festival is about forgiving others and making new friends and is celebrated by playing with color, also called a color throw. “HoliFest is ICC”™s chance to immerse the community in this joyful and exuberant Indian tradition,” said Margie French, ICC executive director “Holi unifies. It creates understanding and fosters inclusion, which is the heart of ICC”™s mission,” added Alka Thukral, ICC board president.
With lower ticket prices this year, ICC will bring color, laughter, music and dancing to Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Henna artists, new activities for children, including bracelet making and face painting have been added to the festivities. Tawa of Stamford will be serving dosas (Indian crepes), Indian-flavored pizzas, chaat (street food) and Indochinese noodles. The Kona Ice Truck will scoop Indian-flavored shaved ice such as mango, as well as traditional American flavors.
Rounding out the event will be the centerpiece of HoliFest: the color throw. Participants will receive several bags of color to throw and take part in a joyful and energetic celebration. The color, provided by Crazee Colors, is safe and nontoxic and made from high-quality cornstarch and food-grade colors. The powder washes off and does not stain clothes. Following the Holi tradition of wearing white, those who register by April 23 are guaranteed a white t-shirt to wear for the color throw.
Schools, churches, and other organizations are invited to attend HoliFest as Community Partners. Groups can also purchase tents for 25 guests or VIP tents for 40 guests. To be guaranteed a tent, orders must be placed by April 23rd.
HoliFest 2023 Signature Sponsors are Cafe Spice, maker of ready-to-eat Indian meals, and Redfin, a local real estate brokerage.
Tickets can be purchased at the event or at a discount in advance at holi23.org. HoliFest 2023 will be held rain or shine.
A nonprofit organization that celebrates the arts and culture of India, the India Cultural Center”™s goal is to foster inclusion by educating and engaging the community in Indian culture. Programs are targeted toward both the Indian American diaspora and the community at large.
Support has been provided to India Cultural Center from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature. and from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
