BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Photos by Magic Dust Photography. Cover photo: Consul General of India Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan greeting Congressman Dr.Rich McCormick.
Cumming GA, April 4, 2025: Clouds of vibrant colors painted the sky as joyous laughter echoed through the Cumming Fairgrounds, where thousands gathered to celebrate Sewa Atlanta’s 18th Annual Holi Festival of Colors on March 15, 2025. A true feast for the senses, the event brought together music, dance, delicious food, and a deep sense of togetherness, transforming the fairgrounds into a dazzling spectacle of cultural expression. As one of India’s most cherished traditions, this festival came to life in a breathtaking fusion of color, tradition, and festivity, leaving attendees with lasting memories of an extraordinary celebration.
Holi, known for its vibrant colors and rich traditions, is an ancient Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a time when barriers fade, bonds grow stronger, and communities come together in shared merriment. While its roots lie in Indian culture, Holi has transcended borders, becoming a global celebration embraced by people from all walks of life.
Sewa Holi exemplified this spirit of inclusivity, drawing a diverse crowd eager to partake in the revelry. Attendees of all backgrounds enthusiastically joined in the color play, danced to energetic beats, and savored an array of delicious foods. The event showcased that Holi is not just for the Indian community—it is a festival for anyone who appreciates cultural celebration and the spirit of togetherness.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Emily Carter, a first-time attendee. “The energy, the colors, the music—it’s just magical. It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life come together to celebrate joy and togetherness.”
The festival grounds buzzed with energy as live music and electrifying dance performances set the stage for an unforgettable experience. From traditional Indian folk dances to high-energy Bollywood numbers, performers captivated the crowd with their dynamic moves and vibrant costumes. DJ-driven beats kept the excitement alive, encouraging attendees to join in the lively atmosphere.
While music reverberated through the air, dazzling dance performances captivated onlookers, and the aroma of traditional Indian delicacies lured festival-goers to food stalls. Beyond the colors and revelry, the event carried a deeper meaning—fostering community bonds and raising awareness about Sewa International’s humanitarian efforts.
Adding to the excitement, several dignitaries honored the event with their presence. Sewa Atlanta’s advisor and supporter, Samir Bhatia, warmly welcomed guests, setting the stage for an afternoon of cultural appreciation and unity.
Among the distinguished speakers, Congressman Dr. Rich McCormick praised Sewa International for its commitment to humanitarian service, both locally and worldwide. “Sewa International embodies the best of human nature—selfless service, compassion, and unity. Seeing this many people celebrate together is a testament to the strength of our diverse communities.”
Congressman McCormick didn’t just speak about unity—he danced for it. In a moment that had the crowd cheering, he joined the Sewa team on stage, moving enthusiastically to the infectious beats of Bollywood music. The sight of a U.S. Congressman grooving to Bollywood tunes alongside the Sewa group perfectly encapsulated the festival’s essence—breaking barriers, embracing cultures, and sharing in the sheer delight of the occasion.
Consul General of India, Atlanta, Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, applauded Sewa International for hosting the largest Holi celebration in Georgia. “Holi is about breaking down barriers, and today, we see that happening right here in Georgia. This event is a bridge that connects cultures and promotes inclusivity,” he said.
Deputy Consul General Sreejan Shandilya reinforced the significance of Holi in fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity. “Holi is more than just a festival—it’s a message. A message that love, joy, and togetherness transcend all differences. It’s inspiring to see so many people from different backgrounds embracing this tradition.”
Sewa International’s Atlanta Chapter President, Dr. Madhav Durbha, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community, donors, and volunteers, emphasizing that their support made the festival possible. “The overwhelming response we receive each year reminds us why we do this. Holi is about spreading happiness, and today, we’ve done just that.”
Vice President Raj Radhakrishnan extended appreciation to the Forsyth County Commissioners Office, the Cumming Fairgrounds staff, and the Cumming Police Department for their crucial contributions in ensuring a smooth and successful event. “An event of this scale takes teamwork, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our local officials and volunteers.”
Radhakrishnan also highlighted some of Sewa Atlanta’s impactful initiatives, including:
Sewa AmeriCorps Tutoring – Providing homework assistance and enrichment programs to elementary and middle school students from low-income families, ensuring they receive the academic support needed for success.
Sewa Health Clinic (Sewa Aarogya) – A collaboration with GAPI (Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage) to provide accessible healthcare to underserved communities, offering critical medical services to those in need.
Sewa Food Drive (Sewa Annadana) – Addressing food insecurity by providing nutritionally rich fresh produce and non-perishable items to low-income families, ensuring they have access to healthy meals.
“This grand celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, including Level Solutions Group, PNC Bank, Handa FinTax Group, Gupta Real Estate, E-Ring, Inc., GCI Ingredients, Pyramid Consulting, Twinkle Pediatrics, LLC, Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., Assureguru, Tanishq USA, Farmers Insurance – Gandhi Brothers, Ambaji Shree Shakti Mandir, Sanatan Mandir, La Chiquita, and Starbucks. Their contributions helped bring the festival’s vision to life. Special thanks were also extended to vendors, media partners, and nonprofit organizations whose dedication played a key role in the festival’s overwhelming success,” Durbha and Radhakrishnan remarked.
Sewa Holi was not only about celebration—it was also a green event, encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles and adopt sustainable practices. With free entry and parking, the festival remained open and welcoming to all, reinforcing its core value of inclusivity.
With the resounding success of this year’s Holi, Sewa International USA is already looking forward to an even bigger, brighter, and more joyful celebration next year. The colors may fade, but the spirit of togetherness remains stronger than ever!
Sewa International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving underserved communities through volunteer-driven initiatives such as free tutoring, health clinics, and food drives. Guided by the principle of selfless service, Sewa strives to create meaningful change in the lives of many.
