By Social Edge Ambassador: Ishita Singh
Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Alameda County Library for a vibrant and heartwarming Holi celebration! This special event brought together families from all walks of life to honor Indian culture and the joyful festival of colors. The day was filled with storytelling, creativity, learning, and togetherness—perfectly reflecting the spirit of Holi.
One of the highlights of the event was a lively storytelling session led by Social Edge founder Dr. Amita Roy Shah. Dr. Shah read her beautiful children’s book It’s Time for Holi, a colorful and engaging story that introduces young readers to the traditions, significance, and excitement of this Indian festival. Through her storytelling, Dr. Shah encouraged Asian-American children—and all attendees—to connect with their cultural heritage in a fun, accessible, and meaningful way.
It’s Time for Holi does more than just describe the celebration; it dives into the “why” and “how” behind the traditions, making it an ideal read for parents looking to introduce their children to Indian culture. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and Social Edge also offers free Holi-themed lesson plans, activity worksheets, and coloring pages for both parents and educators. These resources provide families and classrooms with hands-on ways to celebrate Holi while fostering cultural understanding and pride.
.
The event welcomed a wonderfully diverse group of parents and children, reflecting the multicultural community we live in. To create an inclusive and welcoming environment, we began with a fun trivia game all about India and the origins of Holi. The trivia session was designed to be lighthearted and educational, encouraging kids to speak up, share answers, and feel confident in front of their peers. It also helped set the stage for the rest of the event, emphasizing curiosity, learning, and mutual respect.
Another exciting component of the celebration was our collaboration with the inspiring Rashmi Rao Designs. Rashmi Rao, an artist and entrepreneur, showcased her beautiful handmade pottery, paintings, botanicals, and abstract artwork, each piece bursting with vibrant colors and cultural depth. During the event, Mrs. Rao led a thoughtful and engaging presentation on mandala art and its meaningful connection to Holi.
She explained that mandalas are more than just beautiful geometric patterns—they are visual representations of our emotions, thoughts, and sense of balance. Each color used in mandalas carries deep symbolic meaning, adding emotional depth and intention to the artwork:
- Yellow represents optimism and joy
- Red symbolizes passion and energy
- Blue evokes calmness and peace
- Green is associated with healing and renewal
Through this lens, creating a mandala becomes an act of mindfulness and self-expression. Mrs. Rao posed an inspiring question to all attendees: What colors reflect your emotions today?
Following her presentation, participants were invited to create their very own mandalas. With paper, vibrant colors, and gentle guidance from Mrs. Rao, children and parents sat side-by-side designing unique pieces that reflected their feelings and imagination. The creative session was a powerful moment of connection—not only to art and culture, but also to one another.
We were amazed by the beautiful mandalas that came to life during the activity. Each one was a reflection of the artist’s inner world, and collectively, they represented the harmony and diversity of the group. Whether it was the storytelling, the trivia game, or the art workshop, each part of the event helped build a stronger sense of community and cultural appreciation.
This Holi celebration reminded us of the power of inclusion, creativity, and heritage. We’re grateful to the Alameda County Library, Rashmi Rao Designs, and everyone who attended for making this event such a joyful success. We look forward to continuing to create meaningful, inclusive events like this—where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
