The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Holi Celebration

Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

The entire community is invited to participate in Oak Park’s celebration of Holi – the Hindu festival of colors.

The free outdoor event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 on the south lawn at Village Hall, 123 Madison St.

Family-friendly color play, a DJ playing Bollywood dance music and delicious ethnic food will all be part of the celebration of South Asian culture hosted by the Village in partnership with volunteers from a local South Asian community group.

Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to come dressed in clothes that can withstand being covered in colored powder. Participants may want to consider wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes and scarves to protect their hair.

White t-shirts and tops are recommended for anyone who wants to show off their color play and take memorable photos in photo booths that will be available during the event. Click here for a photo from a previous Holi celebration held in Oak Park.

Holi is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival that originated in India and Nepal, but is now celebrated by people all around the world.  Also known as the festival of colors, this exuberant festival marks the arrival of spring, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil.  

Holi falls on the last full moon day of winter according to the luni-solar calendar. This is typically in March/early April and falls this year on March 25. This two-day festival begins with a bonfire and a puja/prayer the night before, to cleanse away all the negative energy and usher in the positive.

The next day, or the day of Holi, is when people come together from all walks – irrespective of age, gender and religion – to participate in the color fest.

During the celebration people come together to play and laugh, smearing each other with brightly colored powders. It's a time to let go of inhibitions, dance to lively music, and indulge in delicious food.

For more information about Oak Park’s Holi celebration, visit www.oak-park.us/holi or contact the Village’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 708.358.5405 or community@oak-park.us.