HOLI: A Festival of Color
By Deepak Kumar, PhD
Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California celebrated on April 12, 2024 its inaugural HOLI: A Festival of Color, organized by Dr. Deepak Kumar, a postdoctoral scientist in the College of Pharmacy, and the Asian-American Health Professions Student Association (AAHPSA). The resounding success of HOLI was evident in the enthusiastic participation of over 200 students, faculty, and staff, enriching the festivities and exemplifying the University’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The diverse turnout underscored the universal appeal of HOLI as a celebration of unity, diversity, and cultural exchange.
HOLI, known as the Festival of Colors, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal. Rooted in ancient Hindu mythology, HOLI marks the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter. It is a time for communities to come together, shed differences, and embrace unity and joy. Participants celebrate by smearing each other with vibrant colored powders, dancing to traditional music, and indulging in festive delicacies.
“At WesternU, we embrace the cultural richness of HOLI as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity, fostering unity and transcending barriers of caste, creed, and social status,” Dr. Kumar said. “The throwing of colored powders represents the breaking down of barriers and the celebration of diversity. Through the joyous festivities of HOLI, participants embrace the values of love, forgiveness, and friendship, strengthening bonds within communities and fostering goodwill.”
This inaugural HOLI celebration at the Pomona campus marks a milestone in our University’s cultural calendar, made possible by the collective efforts and generous support of both external and on-campus sponsors, Kumar said. The Office of the Provost played a pivotal role in facilitating HOLI on such a grand scale, for which we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Provost Paula M. Crone, DO ’92, and her team. Additionally, the Student Government Association (SGA), University Student Affairs (USA), and the Office of Humanism, Equity, and Anti-Racism (HEAR) provided invaluable on-campus contributions, further enhancing the event’s success. The generous sponsorship from the Indian Pharmacists Association (IPA) was instrumental in bringing HOLI to fruition.
A cultural event of this scale wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of several outstanding individuals from across the colleges. Devi Patel and Eric Kim from AAHPSA, Christy Ho from SGA, Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars Katherine Yang, Dr. Suresh Appavoo from the Office of Humanism, Equity, and Anti-Racism, Grace Wu and Stephanie Bernal from the College of Pharmacy, and the unwavering support of Chique Magsino (Risk Management), Selina Rivera (EHS), Crystal L. Rivera from COMP, and Helen Musharbash and Maria Gonzalez from the Office of Academic Community Engagement have been instrumental throughout the planning, organizing, and executing this event. Gratitude extends to Mark Iannuzzo, Julie Avila, Mark Goggin, Jillian Matzner, and Jeremiah Reyes, all from the College of Pharmacy, who volunteered at the event.
“HOLI at Western University of Health Sciences exemplified the spirit of diversity, unity, and joy,” Kumar said. “As we reflect on the colorful memories created and the bonds forged, let us carry forward the ethos of HOLI in our daily lives, promoting love, kindness, and inclusivity in all our interactions. Together, we celebrate our differences and embrace the richness of our cultural tapestry.”
