India Association of Minnesota

March 2026 Newsletter

53 Years Supporting the Indian Community


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IAM News & Events

Connect India 2026

Presented by India Association of Minnesota



India Association of Minnesota (IAM) held it's annual Connect India on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026 at the Minnetonka Community Center. As attendees entered the lobby, a beautiful display of Indian artifacts from various regions were on display. They were welcomed at the receptions tables by smiling interns and IAM board members.


During the social hour everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon of traditional Indian dishes from India Spice House.

The program started at 1:45 pm with IAM Board Member Neelima Krishnan and IAM intern Geyasaree Badri emceeing the event.


IAM 2026 President Mangala Acharya addressed the assembled guests with a review of the programs IAM had already held in 2026, including a Community Briefing, Know Your Rights and Community Chat with Plymouth City Officials zoom meetings to address the issues we are all facing. A video of 2025 IAM, events as well as community events IAM participated in, was shown.


Senator Klobuchar reiterated her commitment to supporting the immigrant community and discussed future goals to increase bilateral trade between the US and India during a pre-recorded video.

Minnesota legislators are always an important part of IAM events. Rep. Kristin Robbins,

Rep. Kristin Bahner and Rep. Julie Greene spoke briefly. Also in attendance were Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn and Rep. Esther Agbaje. A bipartisan panel of Sen. Eric Pratt, Sen. Andrew Myers, Sen. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Sen. Matt Klein participated in a panel, moderated by IAM Board member & Government Relations Committee chair Sanjay Terakanambi, was next on the agenda.


The senators focused on forward moving solutions to various issues related to the general community amidst an upcoming midterm election. In terms of immigration enforcement, panelists emphasized the importance of safety, peace, and security for their constituents. Senators also provided possible legislative solutions to the housing affordability crisis and voting rights infringement. The panel brought forth a multitude of perspectives and focused on solution-driven, bipartisan approaches to the issues facing many Minnesotans.


Secretary of State Steve Simon, spoke about the importance of voting and constituents using their voices in the upcoming midterm election. He wants "high turnout and low drama”. He briefly spoke the challenges facing states in the November election.

Consul General Chicago Somnath Ghosh attended Connect India for a second year. In his speech, he talked about India-Minnesota trade relations and about India's growing economy. He offered consular help to the community. One memorable moment that drew warm applause from the audience was his saying, “Diwali should be declared a holiday".

2025 IAM President Srividya Vaidyanathan was given an award for her years serving India Association of Minnesota and the community. Srividya joined IAM in 2018 working with the marketing and website teams. She was General Secretary in 2022 and Vice President in 2024. IAM thanks Srividya for her many contributions.


IAM thanks long time IAM Board member Amit Kachru, Ramesh Muniswamy (2006) and Kusum Gosain (2012) for their work selecting the Lifetime Achievement Award and Person of the Year award winners from the many candidates.


The Lifetime Achievement Award, honors individuals or organizations for long-term excellence in their field and meaningful contributions that strengthen and promote the Asian Indian community in Minnesota. The award was presented to Dr. Pavan Allalaghatta. Dr. Pavan Allalaghatta is a research scientist and R&D executive with 3 decades of experience driving innovation across multiple industries. Along with his scientific work, he is a cultural ambassador in Minnesota, a successful tabla artist, composer, educator, advocate for Indian culture and is a key member of Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM). 


The IAM Person of the Year recognizes an Indian American individual for outstanding achievements within the year 2025, inspiring leadership, and significant contributions to the broader community. This award was awarded to Mr. Kamalakar Kanajam. Mr. Kamalakar Kanajam is the chairman and Mentor of Swaravedika. Over the last decade, he raised $30,000, supported 15,000 children, organized 40 music concerts, and participated in 80+ charity initiatives. Mr Kanajam was unable to attend Connect India. His award was accepted by Venkat Seemakurthy.


IndiaFest 2025 awards were presented during the event. Congratulations to


  • Bengali Association of Minnesota for the Best Booth at India Fest
  • Minnesota Punjabi Society for the Best interactive award 
  • Marathi Association of Minnesota 


At the break, the audience was entertained by two beautifully performed dances while also enjoying chai and cookies.


Shree’s Dance Troupe is a dynamic Indian semi-classical fusion ensemble celebrated for its electrifying energy, graceful storytelling, and captivating stage presence. This performance featured dancers Swarnali, Sandhya, Rohini, Soujanya, Saritha, and Rajashree.

Katha Dance Theatre presented Albela Sajan Aayo Ri, a traditional classical bandish composed by Ustad Sultal Khan with lyrics. The choreography was created by Rita Mitra Mutpushi, and performers Shilpi Chatterjee, Sarika Haris, and Nivedita Sahni did an outstanding performance for their dance.


Both performances were roundly applauded by the appreciative audience.

IAM General Secretary Analabha Dutta conducted a session on how IAM will evolve with its partnerships and impact in the coming year.


Vice President Sunita Pillai thanked all the organizations for attending Connect India, reminding everyone to tag IAM on their social media.


Thank you to the Dr. SK Dash Foundation for sponsoring IAM Connect India 2026. Mrs. Kalpana Dash received a bouquet from President Mangala Acharya during Connect India.

IAM's past presidents continue to actively support IAM. Ramesh Muniswamy (2006), Kiran Bandi (2021), Mangala Acharya (2026), Srividya Vaidyanathan (2025), Sreeni Checka (2020), Godan Nambudiripad (1990), Sreekanth Kamojjala (2017), Niru Misra (1994) and PG Narayanan (2010) attended Connect India.

Coming Events

International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN)


A CELEBRATION OF Culture, Community, & Connection


Formerly known as the Festival of Nations, The International Festival of Minnesota (IFest-MN) gathers over 70 nations and ethnic communities to share food, music, art, dance, traditions, and cultural demonstrations. With an expected 25,000 attendees, including 7,000 youth, IFest offers a hands-on, heart-opening experience that fosters understanding across generations and provides a deeper understanding of each other’s heritage.


India Association of Minnesota (IAM) participated in Festival of Nations for 40 years from 1979 through 2019. IAM is excited to be participating in IFest, serving it's popular Mango Shakes and delicious Indian Cuisine in the cafe. Visit the cafe and India cultural booth.

https://www.ifestmn.org/


Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival


India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) are partnering for the second year with MSPFS for its 45th year of the International Film Festival in the Twin Cities.


MSPIFF, aka the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, returns April 8-19, 2026 to celebrate its 45th anniversary with another awesome lineup of over 200 films from around the world, including Indian films (see below), plus parties, panels, visiting filmmakers, and special guests galore. Films will be shown at The Main, Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, Landmark Center in St Paul, Edina Mann Theatre, Rochester, MN and at Mia. As the largest annual celebration of international cinema in the region, MSPIFF45 promises to be its biggest festival yet!


  • ANDA - Dir. Jayendra Ganta - English - MN Made
  • APARAJITO - Dir. Satyajit Ray  Bengali
  • BAYAAN - Dir. Bikas Ranjan Mishra 2nd Feature Hindi
  • THE CYCLE OF LOVE - Dir. Orlando von Einsiedel English, Hindi
  • FULL PLATE - Dir. Tannishtha Chatterjee 2nd Feature Hindi
  • IN SEARCH OF THE SKY - Dir. Jitank Singh Gurjar 2nd Feature Hindi, Braj
  • THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT - Karla Murthy


MSPIFF believes that film has the power to bridge divides, foster unity across cultures, and provide a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to be in community with each other, especially during challenging times.


Watch for more information in the April IAM newsetter.

2026 Consular Camp

By India Association of Minnesota


As a service to the Indian Community in Minnesota, IAM is again hosting a Consular camp. Watch for details on date, venue and services in the IAM April newsletter and on the IAM website.

IAM Participating in the Community

Martha Graham Event - "We the People"


On Saturday, Feb 7, Mangala Acharya and Nithya Mathad represented IAM at Northrop Auditorium where we celebrated Martha Graham Dance Company's 100th Anniversary. We talked about IAM and our mission and vision, and how we collaborate with UofM across various events and activities. We also had one of the most popular tables - the Saree Draping station! We invited the attendees to stop by and wear a saree for pictures. We heard wonderful stories of extended families from India, children adopted from India, and one couple who traveled to Kerala after reading Abraham Verghese's 'Covenant of Water'!

Breathe. Speak. Connect.


An evening of reflection, dialogue, and solidarity.


In light of the recent events that impacted our Twin Cities community, Breathe. Speak. Connect. offered a space to pause, listen, and acknowledge what many were feeling — grief, uncertainty, and hope. The gathering centered on honest conversation, shared understanding, and collective healing.


The evening opened with a guided meditation led by Himali Patel, grounding participants before moving into dialogue. Speakers brought perspectives rooted in leadership, mental health, lived experience, and public service, including:

  • Sanjay Terakanambi, CEO of Prerana Technology Strategy Consulting and India Association of Minnesota Board Member
  • Dr. Jake Loeffler, Staff Psychologist at the University of Minnesota
  • Nishanth Peters, artist and advocate
  • Lona Dallessandro, Bloomington City Councilmember
  • Shradha Tailor Ahmed, Clinical Social Worker at SEWA-AIFW

Small-group discussions and a collective message collage allowed attendees to listen deeply, share openly, and express solidarity. Through the generosity of participants, $508 was raised, with $418 donated to mutual aid supporting affected families — turning dialogue into tangible community impact.


Organized by Tham Collective, a Minneapolis-based community initiative dedicated to creating intentional spaces for dialogue, connection, culture, and collective growth, the evening reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the social fabric of our community through participation and meaningful engagement. Special thanks to Madhu Bangalore for photography and Amanda Lube for behind-the-scenes support. IAM Board member, Neelima Parameswaran Krishnan was also in attendance.

Twin Cities Tamil Association (TCTA)


IAM was well represented at TCTA's annual Pongal event on January 24th held at Wyzata Central Middle School. The day long event started with a well attended lunch, and the cultural performances by the community. TCTA's outgoing president, our very own IAM Board member, Madhan Kumar Kumar Rajendra welcomed us warmly at the event. Mangala Achyya, Nithya Mathad, Uma Venkat and Neelima Krishnan represented IAM at the event.

Autism Sibs Universe (ASU) is currently implementing a targeted cultural outreach training program for the second time, called Asian Indian Disability Training, supported by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) . This initiative is designed specifically for Asian-Indian individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to increase their knowledge of disability services, improve access to home and community-based supports and Partners in Policymaking. These sessions will be held in the months of February and March.

As a part of sharing the awareness and experiences, ASU had invited the 2025 IAM President, Srividya Vaidyanathan, to be the inaugural speaker at their first event, held on Saturday, February 14.


Srividya talked about her experiences with the kids on the spectrum over her years as a robotics coach and touched upon the areas of how the cultural and religious stigma gets in the way of getting timely intervention and care to the children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She shared the resources that are available today in India and here in Minnesota for families with members identified to be on the spectrum. 


There were other families, who are a part of the ASU community, who also talked about their own personal journeys. 


The session was educational and humbling, bringing a renewed understanding of these families.

Open Door Pantry


On Thursday evening, February 19, 2026 IAM team members volunteered their time for Open Door Pantry at Easter Lutheran Church. Between 6 and 8 pm, they packed 300 boxes of food (5 pallets of 60 boxes each)! Bollywood music helped to keep them energized.


Afterwards, Aadarsh Akula, Sanjay Terakanambi, Sunitha Pillai, Sree Kamajjola, Srividya Vaidyanathan, Venkat & Madhuri Seemakurthy, Rashmi Jindani, and Seena George enjoyed a much deserved dinner at Teresa's Mexican Restaurant in Eagan, MN.

India Association of Minnesota Update

Over the years, IAM had been privileged to have an incredible number of talented and dedicated young people join the organization as interns. Without them, IAM could not provide the events, programs and initiatives for the community. This year's cohort is no exception. They are already engaged, adding value to the work of IAM. Meet the 2026 IAM interns. To learn more about them https://iamn.org/about/.

Government Relations & Community Engagement

2026 is an Election Year!



What's on the Election Day ballot in 2026?

All voters will have these races on their general election ballot:

  • U.S. Senator - U.S. Representative - Governor & Lt. Governor
  • Secretary of State - State Auditor - Attorney General
  • State Senator - State Representative - Judicial Seats

Voters may have one or more of these races on their ballot:

  • County Officials - City Officers - School Board Members
  • Township Officers - Local ballot questions


Election Calendar

Vote by mail or in person - June 26 through August 10 for the Primary

Primary Election - August 11, 2026

Vote by mail or in person - September 18 through November 2, 2026

Election Day - November 3, 2026

For more information https://www.sos.mn.gov/election-administration-campaigns/elections-calendar/


India Association of Minnesota is non-political. 

IAM will inform but does not endorse any candidates.


Indian American Candidates


Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian is running for the Minnesota Senate SD49. Watch for more information on https://krishforsenate.com/


India Association of Minnesota requests that Indian candidates submit a picture, office running for and link to website for publication in this newsletter. Email to info@iamn.org.

Women's History Month

“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”


The 2026 theme celebrates the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational and social justice movements.


Women's History Month events taking place in Minnesota Click Here


Throughout our lives, we learn about major historical milestones, from the rise of the Civil Rights Movement to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. What we often don’t hear is that many of these achievements were led by women. For centuries, women have been dismissed as holding less value than men; however, history clearly proves otherwise. Figures like Sojourner Truth, an influential activist who helped propel the early Civil Rights Movement, and Marie Curie, a pioneering scientist who earned two Nobel Prizes for her discoveries, demonstrate the profound impact women have had on shaping society. Women consistently stand where success prevails, yet the recognition they deserve is far too often overlooked.


Women's History Month was first celebrated in California in 1978 as educators sought to increase awareness of women’s contributions in society. As this movement gained momentum, cities across the country were inspired to join in and celebrate the contributions of women in society as well. With this, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week, urging everyone in the United States to participate. Carter stated, "Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well”. Soon, this week dedicated to women turned into a month in 1987, and Women's History Month has been celebrated every year since then. 



Why Should We Continue: Women’s History Month isn’t just a celebration of the trailblazers who win Nobel Prizes or fight for constitutional change; it honors all women. It recognizes the mothers who work tirelessly while caring for their families, the women who support their communities, and those whose everyday strength often goes unnoticed. These women are just as remarkable as the historical figures we study, and this month reminds us to pause and appreciate the countless ways they shape our lives. By taking a moment to acknowledge their dedication, resilience, and impact, we honor not only the famous women of history but also the women who stand beside us every day.


Women’s History Month reminds us that progress is never the work of a few; it is built by generations of women whose courage, intelligence, and resilience continue to shape our world. From the pioneers who changed history to the women who uplift our communities today, each contribution matters. As we honor these stories, we also carry forward a responsibility: to recognize, support, and empower the women around us. By doing so, we ensure that their impact is not only remembered but also continued for generations to come.


The Women Anthem at IAM. The guidance of IAM President, Mangala Acharya, “Lead with humor. Lead by example. Always give yourself and everyone around you some grace. Lift others as you grow.” Our Vice President Sunitha Pillai captures this spirit perfectly when she says, “When you reach a new height, don’t just look at the view. Look back and see where the gaps are. Use your influence to repair the path and close the gaps, so women following you can run across the path you had to carefully climb.”

IAM Membership


India Association of Minnesota invites you to become a sustaining member of the organization. As the Indian population in Minnesota increases, it is more important than ever that the community be involved in the activities of IAM as it represents our common interests.

Upcoming IAM Calendar of Events


Event/Date/Venue

  • MSPFS International Film Event, April 8-19, 2026. Main Theater, Edina Theater & Mia
  • International Fest (IFest) , April 10-11, 2026, River Centre
  • Sports Day - May
  • Flint Hills Family Festival - May 30, 2026 
  • Asian Fair - May 30, 2026, Hilde Performance Center, Plymouth, MN.
  • Consular Camp - June 
  • International Yoga Day - June 21, 2026
  • IndiaFest, August 15, 2026, Minnesota State Capitol Grounds.
  • NonViolence Day - October 3, 2026, Minnesota History Center
  • Health Awareness Charity Event - October 
  • GBM and Member Appreciation - November


Watch for coming events in future newsletters, on Facebook and the IAM website www.iamn.org.


Community Events

Indian Music Society of Minnesota (IMSOM)


After what has been a real tough start to a new year, it’s time to rejuvenate … in the only, but time-tested, way IMSOM has known … with a brand-new season of soul-lifting music from some of the world’s finest talent.

 

Come join us this upcoming Spring Season, to submerge ourselves once again, in an ethereal realm of love, beauty and oneness that we all rightly crave and deserve …


Saturday, March 14, 3:00PM

Twin Cities Annual Aradhana and a Carnatic Recital by the Carnatica Brothers

Co-presented by IMSOM and Layyasaaram

Join us for a performance by Twin Cities’ artists paying tributes to the founding fathers of Carnatic Music with group renditions, followed by a public felicitation of Smt. Leela Ramanathan, a beloved, veteran Carnatic vocalist/Guru in the cities. Finally, the Carnatica Brothers will regale us with a delectable bouquet of Carnatic compositions.


 

 Saturday, March 28, 2026, 7:00PM

VVS Murari & Ashwani Shankar (Carnatic Violin & Hindustani Shehnai duet)

Walker West Academy Auditorium, St. Paul


https://www.imsom.org/

India Chamber of Commerce Minnesota


Event: Pinnacle Gala 2026

Date: March 20, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM

Venue: Mosaic Venue


The Pinnacle Gala 2026 marks a significant milestone as we celebrate one year of advancing business leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact across Minnesota. This premier black-tie evening will bring together distinguished business leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and community changemakers to celebrate excellence and achievement.


The evening will feature recognition of outstanding leaders, meaningful networking opportunities, and a formal dining experience in an elevated setting. The Gala serves as a platform to honor innovation, strengthen partnerships, and highlight the growing influence of our business community.


https://www.icocmn.org/pinnaclegala2026


www.icocmn.org

 Minnesota Sangeetha Kannada Koota (SKK)


 "UGADI SAMBHRAMA" 

Ugadi, celebrated as the New Year in Karnataka, marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls in the month of Chaitra (usually March or April) and is a time for renewal and new beginnings. People celebrate Ugadi by cleaning and decorating their homes, wearing new clothes, and preparing special traditional foods like Ugadi Obbatu/Holige. The festival is also marked by prayers, rituals, and cultural activities, bringing communities together to embrace the upcoming year with hope, prosperity, and joy.


Join SKK and celebrate this occasion with food, cultural programs and Artist performance. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate the spirit of unity and joy!


 Event Date: Sat, April 4th 2025

 Time: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

 Venue: Eisenhower Community Center

 Address: 1001 MN-7, Hopkins, MN 55305


More details about the event: https://www.kannadamn.org/p/events.html

Ugadi Cultural Performance sign up :- https://skkmn.short.gy/ugadi-signup



https://www.kannadamn.org

Minnesota Malayalee Association (MMA)


Move with MMA – February Fitness Sessions


Join for Move with MMA, a community fitness series featuring fun, guided workouts for couples, friends, and individuals. Open to all fitness levels.

February Sessions:

• Restoration Workout – Mar 7 (Ridgedale Library, RHR Room)

• High Energy Full Body Workout – Mar 14 (Ridgedale Library, RHR Room)


Registration link:   MMA Membership + Fitness Registration :


https://mnmalayalee.org/

Ragamala Dance Company


Luminary Arts Center

700 North 1st Street

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401


Friday, May 1, 7:30pm

Sacred Earth

Tickets


Saturday, May 2, 5:00pm

Ragamala Rooted: A Gala Celebration

Tickets

Ticket link: https://my.luminaryartscenter.com/3122/3123


https://www.ragamaladance.org/

RGK Dance Academy


RAMAYANA — a grand musical dance drama in English, bringing the timeless Indian epic to life through breathtaking choreography, vibrant costumes, and powerful storytelling. Experience the journey of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman — a story of love, courage, devotion, and victory of good over evil — beautifully created for the whole family to enjoy together.


 RGK Dance Academy’s 23rd Anniversary Gala Production - Annual Benefit Show for Vidya Gyan (supporting education for underprivileged children in India and USA)


 Sunday, March 22, 2026

 1:30 – 4:30 PM

 Wayzata Central Middle School

305 Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth, MN


 Tickets (Indian food included with every ticket):

• $45 Advance | $50 at the Door - • $100 VIP | $250 VVIP - • Students with ID: $25

• Children under 5: Free - • Group VIP (10+): $75 each


 Buy Tickets Online: www.rgkdance.org

 Info & Tickets: Renu G. Kumar – 763-227-0740

South Asian Arts & Theater House (SAATH)


What : Dance auditions - to be a part of our Annual Dance/theatre show.

Its a FREE event to participate, Instructors will teach a dance routine and you get to perform in small groups.


Who : Open to all Ages 6+ and any skill level ( No need for prior dance experience)

 

When : It happens on 2 days , if you miss one you have another day.

Feb 26th or March 1st (6.30pm-9.30pm)


Where : Threads Dance Project, 2213 Snelling Ave suite, #100 Minneapolis, MN 55404


Link to register : 

https://www.saathmn.org/2026-dance-tryouts


https://www.saathmn.org/

On International Women’s Day enjoy a vibrant celebration of women-led entrepreneurship at the South Asian Women’s Small Business Bazaar at SEWA-AIFW.


On March 8, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, you are invited to spend International Women’s Day supporting small businesses owned by South Asian women at SEWA-AIFW (6645 James Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430). This event goes beyond shopping as it is a dynamic platform that uplifts and showcases the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of South Asian women.


The bazaar offers small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their products, connect with new audiences, and grow their businesses. Attendees can explore a wide range of distinctive, culturally inspired goods, including handcrafted items, specialty products, and unique gifts.



With many community members expected to attend, the bazaar promises a lively and meaningful cultural experience. Come celebrate creativity, support community-driven businesses, and be part of an empowering International Women’s Day celebration.


www.sewa-aifw.org

TCTA Annual Science Fair 2026


https://tctamn.org/event/tcta-annual-science-fair-2026/

https://tctamn.org/

Miscellaneous

Congratulations Ram Gada


IAM Honorary Board member and long time Minnesota community member, Ram Gada received the Girnar Award 2026 for his social work. The award was presented by Brahad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj on December 23,2025 at Yogi Sabhagrah , Mumbai.

Coach Gets A Bat


IAM Administrator, Alice Northrup presented a signed Minnesota Twins bat to Coach Mike Tate on Tuesday, February 24th. IAM donated the bat to support the community.

Coach is going to be honored by the Minnesota Twins on the April 15th game celebrating Jackie Robinson.

IAM has been part of the Seeds To Harvest coalition for several years. Led by Brett Buckner and Coach Mike Tate, Seeds has worked to improve the lives of the North Minneapolis kids, the City of Lakes Games, Get Out the Vote initiatives and the redesign of North Commons Park. During COVID, the IAM Interns participated in the A Better Community Initiative (ABCI). Former interns, Dhruv Patel and Sahaana Vasudevan designed the logos for Seeds and the Games. The former interns worked on several projects for the Seeds coalition.

Holi


Indian Association of Minnesota aims to build an organization that unites the Indian diaspora through charity, culture and connection. Holi is the perfect example because it is a globally recognized festival that is celebrated throughout generations. Through the joy, color, and sense of belonging of Holi, families and friends can come together to honor the tradition and strengthen the bonds of a vibrant, long-lasting culture.


Significance of the Holi Festival: Many generations of Indians celebrate Holi in diverse ways. For many, the festival is known to have an emotional and cultural significance that is used to preserve traditions and foster a sense of identity. Young Indian Americans often gather a stronger understanding of their heritage, history, and religion through these celebrations, which have been passed through several generations. These events connect them to not only their families but also a larger community that shares joy in the celebration of Holi.


The true meaning of the Holi festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, demonstrating the story of Lord Vishnu defeating the demoness, Holika. It can also be known as the arrival of spring and celebrates the divine love between Krishna and Radha. Holi can be seen as the festival of equality because when applied color, the distinctions of skin tone, caste, and background fade away causing everyone to look alike. According to legends, origins of Holi can be traced back to Lord Krishna, who playfully applied color to his beloved Radha so that their skin tones match.


Through music, food, and color, communities come together to share joy and connection. The festival’s deeper meaning of good over evil reflects the healing power to unity and acceptance that assist in bringing communities together. The moral of Holi is that it’s the festival of inclusion, the coming of spring, and the festival of colors. All over the world, numerous families celebrate Holi celebrated by the Indian diaspora and more. This remains important today as it reminds everyone to leave behind grudges, embrace diversity, and celebrate life with others. Rang De Basanti Playlist: Listen to the curated play list as you immerse yourself in Holi,



IAM wishes everyone a colorful Holi Celebration!

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