By Social Edge Ambassador: Ishita Singh
Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Alameda County Library for a vibrant Holi celebration! During the event, Social Edge founder Dr. Amita Roy Shah led a joyful storytelling segment, reading her book “It’s Time for Holi.” Through this story, she encouraged Asian-American children to connect with their heritage and culture in a meaningful and accessible way.
The book explores both the why and how of Holi, making it a perfect read for parents looking to introduce the celebration to their kids. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, and you can also access free Holi-themed lesson plans, worksheets, and coloring pages for parents and teachers!
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The event welcomed a diverse group of parents and children from many backgrounds. To create a warm and inclusive atmosphere, we kicked off with a fun trivia game about India and the origins of Holi—helping kids feel more confident speaking up in front of others.
This Holi celebration was a joint effort, also featuring the inspiring business Rashmi Rao Designs, which offers stunning paintings, handmade pottery, botanicals, abstract art, and more. Mrs. Rao captivated the audience with a special presentation on mandala art and its connection to the colorful spirit of Holi.
She guided participants step-by-step through the creation of their own mandalas, providing paper, colors, and lots of encouragement. It was a beautiful moment of community, creativity, and cultural appreciation.
Mandala art is more than just intricate patterns—it’s a reflection of our emotions, mindfulness, and inner balance. The colors used in mandalas carry symbolic meaning:
- Yellow for optimism
- Red for passion
- Blue for calmness
- Green for healing
Each hue tells its own emotional story, making mandalas a powerful form of self-expression and a great tool for building emotional intelligence. So—what colors reflect your emotions today?
Here are some of the beautiful mandalas created during the event!
