The streets of Richmond Hill were colored red, green and purple as the West Indian community celebrated Holi, a significant Hindu holiday that welcomes spring. Also known as Phagwah, the 25th Annual Parade took place on Saturday, March 30.

Residents lined up along Liberty Avenue to see the variety of floats and the colored powder filling the air.  The parade made its way towards Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park, where everyone gathered for a cultural show that included singing and dancing. The celebrations welcomed everyone from different races, religions, and ages to have fun and become one in the colors.

“It’s lots of fun for the kids; they enjoy it,” Rajmatee Ramdhanie, mother of three, said.

For Sarika Persaud, celebrating Holi is also a way to make herself a better person.

“It means letting go of tendencies and opening myself up to compassion and being one with other people,” she said.

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By Queens Courier Staff editorial@queenscourier.com