RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Families and friends gathered March 8 in Rancho Cordova for a vibrant celebration of Holi, the traditional Festival of Colors marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

The event, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, invited community members to connect, celebrate cultural diversity and take part in a joyful tradition rooted in South Asian heritage. Organized by the Sacramento Telangana Society in partnership with the Telugu Association of Sacramento, the Sacramento Regional Association of Malayalees and the Kannada Sangha of Sacramento, the festival drew families from across the region. The event was sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova through the Measure H Community Enhancement Fund.

Families and friends gathered March 8 in Rancho Cordova for a vibrant celebration of Holi, the traditional Festival of Colors marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Photo by Rick Sloan

Holi, widely celebrated in India and among the global Indian diaspora, honors renewal, unity and the triumph of joy as winter gives way to spring. One of the festival’s most recognizable traditions involves participants tossing and rubbing brightly colored powder on one another in celebration.

Attendees typically arrive dressed in white clothing so the colors, often made from cornstarch-based powder, appear more vivid as the celebration unfolds. Throughout the afternoon, people shared laughter while covering friends, family members and even strangers in clouds of color, dancing to music and enjoying traditional sweets.

Each color used during Holi carries its own symbolic meaning. Pink represents compassion and caring, while purple signifies mystery and magic. Blue reflects the Hindu deity Lord Krishna and symbolizes divinity, calm and love. Yellow, often associated with turmeric, represents prosperity, happiness, meditation and peace.

One of the festival’s most recognizable traditions involves participants tossing and rubbing brightly colored powder on one another in celebration. Photo by Rick Sloan

Other hues also hold significance. Red symbolizes passion, fertility and marital bliss. Orange represents courage, sacrifice and spiritual energy. Green reflects the vibrant new growth of spring and harmony in nature.

Free packets of colored powder were distributed to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing families and children alike to take part in the festivities. As the celebration progressed, the park gradually transformed into a colorful landscape as participants tossed powder into the air and onto one another in bursts of celebration.

Beyond the playful spectacle, organizers said the festival serves as an opportunity for the broader community to learn about and appreciate cultural traditions that emphasize unity and renewal.

Beyond the playful spectacle, organizers said the festival serves as an opportunity for the broader community to learn about and appreciate cultural traditions. Photo by Rick Sloan