Festival Of Colors To Celebrate South Brunswick's Diversity

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — India’s popular spring festival, Holi, is celebrated with a riot of colors, delicious food and lots of song and dance. South Brunswick is gearing up to celebrate the festival of colors this Saturday at Woodlot Park.

Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, according to Hindu culture.

“This year Holi was on March 18, but since it was cold we decided to host it on April 23,” said Deep Shukla, one of the event organizers. Shukla, a small business owner is a member of the Hindu American Society of Central New Jersey.

The organization was formed last November by a group of South Brunswick residents with an aim to promote cultural awareness. “We wanted to promote cultural awareness and help the younger generation of Indian children understand their faith,” Shukla said. Founding members of the organization include Shukla, Umesh Mahajan and Jayesh Patel, among others.

The group decided to host a Holi celebration as their first event and is looking forward to having the entire South Brunswick community share in the revelry. "Holi is a festival of different colors — just like how America is a diverse land, made up of different cultures and ethnicities," Shukla said.

The event will begin with traditional Hindu prayers like Ganesh Vandana and Shiv Stuti. There will be a showcase of Indian classical dance, Kathak and Bharatnatyam. This will be followed by Bollywood music and dance and then color play.

In Holi, it's customary for participants to smear friends and family with different colors. The colors come in powder form and some are even mixed with water. Attractions at the event include a bounce house, face painting, cotton candy, lemonade, and other Indian food and products by local vendors.

The event will also see members of the organization honoring the township's first responders. Since last year, members were looking for an opportunity to recognize the work of South Brunswick first responders. "Our first responders have been a tremendous support to us during the pandemic, risking their health to keep us safe. We wanted to honor them but didn't have the opportunity. So, during the Holi celebrations, we will host an appreciation event for them," Shukla said.

Local leaders and officials including Sen. Andrew Zwicker (NJ-16), Mayor Charlie Carley, Police Chief Raymond Hayducka, Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra and other community leaders are expected to be present.

"We are looking forward to welcoming our community on Saturday to celebrate our diversity and oneness," Shukla said.

The event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the entry fee is $10. To register for the event, click here.

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