By Sarafina Zhang — CCHS Correspondent
A swirl of colors filled the air at Emerson Field as residents gathered to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, love, equality, and spring.
Despite the day’s drizzle and cool temperatures, the mood was energetic, with dancing, laughter, and bursts of colored powder in flight.
The festival, organized by a coalition of local groups — including the town’s DEI Commission, Concord Friends of India, Concord Free Public Library, Umbrella Arts Center, and South Asian Student Society at Concord-Carlisle High School — drew people of all ages and backgrounds for an afternoon of fun.
“It’s a celebration of spring, it’s a celebration of colors … the returning of life,” said Chris Cratsley, whose family helped organize the April 5 event. “It’s such a joyful event that the whole family can enjoy. I think all of us get to be a little bit like kids.”
Kids were certainly at the heart of the celebration.
Tianna Felix, a senior at Concord-Carlisle High School, attended with her family. “It’s my culture,” she said, adding that her favorite part is playfully covering her younger sister in powder.
Her favorite color to throw? “I like the yellow. It’s really bright.”
Twelve-year-old Divya Malev shared that enthusiasm. “The colors,” she said when asked what she loved most about Holi. At home, she and her family celebrate by inviting friends over and preparing colors together.
‘No barriers’
Celebrants said the festival is also a reminder of deeper values: equality, unity, and renewal.
“No matter where you’re from, no matter what color you are … everybody’s the same,” said Shuchi Sharma, who helped start the Concord Holi tradition in her front yard last year. “Our diversity comes together.”
Organizer Radha Jalan said Holi traditionally marks the end of winter and the advent of the harvest season in India. She added, “There are no barriers — rich or poor, everybody’s celebrating.”
Rose Cratsley, one of the lead organizers and co-chair of the town’s DEI Commission, echoed the message of unity and optimism.
“Our message is one of hope and, really, connection,” she said. “Despite these unprecedented times, we can still find joy … as the spring is here, to look forward to coming together.”
