By Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Staff
After an extraordinarily long and snow‑filled winter, not much warms the hearts of Walpole residents more than returning to their beloved Bird Park in East Walpole.
On a recent sunny, seasonal afternoon, the park was packed with people celebrating the town’s third annual Holi, the Festival of Colors - a vibrant and joyful event that traditionally marks the arrival of spring.
The celebration was once again organized by Shalini Satish, Shweta Singh, and the team at Be Inclusive, Inc. An estimated 300 people attended the three‑hour event, which featured delicious food offerings, performances, music, dancing, local vendors and, of course, plenty of color play. For a $5 entrance fee, each attendee received a packet of powdered color to join in the festivities.
“My favorite part was seeing the performances and seeing so many families engaging with the color play, enjoying food at the park,” said Singh. “It felt like the whole community came together to welcome spring.”
“To add to what Shweta said, one of my favorite parts was seeing everyone having such a great time together - dancing, playing with colors and enjoying delicious food,” added Satish. “It was truly heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate and create such a beautiful sense of community. We would like to thank all the volunteers who made this event happen. A big shout‑out to all the vendors and the DJ for participating.”
The Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated by millions around the world and is recognized as a national holiday in India. Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi celebrates spring, love and the victory of good over evil. Depending on local traditions, the observance can last two days: the first marked by a ritual bonfire representing the triumph of good over evil; the second devoted to color play - when participants wear white and throw colored water, called pani, or colored powder, called gulal, at one another - along with music, friendship and food.
Holi was sponsored in part by Be Inclusive, Inc. and the Walpole Cultural Council. For information on upcoming community events, visit their websites and social media pages.
