Campus Comes alive as Students Celebrate Holi

By Michaiah Varnes //

The annual Holi celebration on March 25, filled Whitaker Patio with color, music and community energy as students gathered to welcome the Nepali New Year.

Participants took part in the traditional chalk throwing, tossing bright powders into the air as they danced, laughed and covered one another in color.

The event also featured samosas, henna tattoos, live music and open dancing, creating a festival atmosphere that drew a large crowd of Hood students.

The celebration brought together students from across campus, many attending for the first time and others returning each year to take part in the tradition.

The event opened with remarks from student speaker Kardamkumar Patel, a graduate international student from India.

Patel shared the origins of Holi, its cultural significance and what the celebration means to him.

He explained how the festival symbolizes renewal, joy and the triumph of good over negativity, inviting attendees to embrace the spirit of unity.

“Holi is a celebration of inclusion, unity, love, and peace; values that bring us all closer as a hood community,” said Amani Al-Dajane, director of international student services,

She added: “Seeing the campus community come together to celebrate joy, culture, and connection. Holi is known as the festival of colors, and what makes it special is how it brings people from different backgrounds together in a fun and welcoming environment.”

Al-Dajane emphasized the impact of the event on students experiencing it for the first time. “I enjoy watching students experience the celebration for the first time through throwing colors, laughing, dancing, and learning about the cultural significance behind the tradition. Moments like these create a sense of belonging and community on campus,” she said.

She noted that the celebration extends beyond festivity. “Events like this go beyond just celebration; they create opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. Seeing students, faculty, and staff celebrate together reminds me how powerful these shared experiences can be in building an inclusive and vibrant campus community,” she said.

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