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Rana Samaj USA Celebrates Holi Festival of Colors at Passaic Park
Passaic, NJ — April 26, 2026 — What a lovely celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors, organized by Rana Samaj USA at Passaic Park in the City of Passaic. Over 200 people gathered on Sunday afternoon to join the joyful festivities.
The weather turned perfect for the occasion. At 11:00am it was cloudy and cool, but by 12:30pm the sun came out and people began pouring into the park. Colors filled the air as attendees playfully threw gulal on each other’s faces. The crowd danced to the rhythm of traditional Holi music, with Bollywood hits keeping everyone on their feet.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
High-ranking elected officials joined the celebration, including Congresswoman Nellie Pou, NJ State Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz, and Clifton Council Member Tony Latona, along with other local candidates.
Congresswoman Pou praised Rana Samaj USA for continuing to celebrate traditional festivals that keep the community connected. She also noted that the Indian American community has played a vital role in mainstream America.
Assemblywoman Bagolie remarked that the Indo-American community is growing in New Jersey and contributing significantly to the state’s economy. She said she was pleased to see such a diverse community come together in Passaic.
President’s Remarks
Rana Samaj USA President Bharat Rana shared that the Holi festival has been held in the City of Passaic for the last 16 years, with attendance growing each year depending on the weather.
Addressing the crowd, Rana said:
Good Afternoon, and Happy Holi !
On behalf of Rana Samaj USA and the Indian American Senior’s Association of Clifton, it is my honor to welcome you all to our Holi celebration here at Passaic Park, Passaic.
We are especially grateful to have so many distinguished guests joining us today. A warm welcome to the Consul General of India, Congresswoman Nellie Pou, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, State Senator John McKeon, Mayor Hector Lora of Passaic, Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson, and Mayor Ray Grabowski of Clifton. Thank you for celebrating Holi with us and for your continued support of our Indian American community.
Holi is not just a festival of colors. It is a celebration of good over bad, faith over fear, and truth over falsehood!
Today, when we play with colors, we celebrate that same victory. We burn away jealousy, ego, and old grudges, and we start fresh with love, forgiveness, and unity.
As Indian Americans, Holi reminds us to bring this message into our daily lives here in America. Young and old, new immigrants and long-time residents — today we all stand as one family, covered in the same colors.
To our youth: Be proud of this heritage. Your faith and values are your strength.
To our seniors: Thank you for keeping these stories and traditions alive for us.
To all our friends and elected officials here today: Welcome and thank you for celebrating with us. This unity is the real spirit of New Jersey and America.
So let us play Holi today with joy in our hearts and the message of Prahlad in our minds — that faith, love, and goodness will always prevail.”
On behalf of Rana Samaj USA, President Rana thanked all sponsors and donors for their kind contributions.
Food & Community Support
The program concluded with traditional Indian food donated by Honest Restaurant in Clifton. Tons of cookies and pastries were generously donated by Rajeshbhai Rana of David’s Cookies.
With gratitude,
Bharat Rana
President, Rana Samaj USA
🎨 Happy Holi from Passaic Park! 🌈
What an amazing 16th Annual Holi Festival of Colors hosted by Rana Samaj USA on Sunday, April 26th!
Over 200+ people came together under sunny skies to celebrate with colors, music, and unity. From Bollywood beats to traditional gulal, the park was full of joy and laughter.
Thank you to our distinguished guests: Congresswoman Nellie Pou, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz, Clifton Councilman Tony Latona, BOE Commissioner of City of Passaic Maryann Capursi and many more members of the community attended for celebrating with us.
As President Bharat Rana said, “Holi reminds us that good always wins over bad, and today we stand as one family, covered in the same colors.”
Special thanks to Honest Restaurant, Clifton for the delicious food and Rajeshbhai Rana of David’s Cookies for the sweets! 🙏
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