Chicago's Navy Pier celebrated Holi with thousands attending

Chicago celebrated the arrival of spring with the Holi festival at Navy Pier on Saturday. This Hindu festival, known for its vibrant colors, symbolizes joy and new beginnings. Attendees expressed their feelings of love, tradition, and inclusivity throughout the event. Sohail Khan, 32, attended with his fiancée, Anushka Raval. He noted the diversity of people coming together to enjoy the festivities. “It’s just really nice to see that,” he said. The couple embraces each other's cultures, highlighting the spirit of acceptance that Holi promotes. Thousands participated in the event, part of Navy Pier's Global Connections series. The celebration included support from several organizations and businesses. DJs played lively music in the beer garden while cultural performances took place inside the Aon Grand Ballroom. Local politicians, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, attended and emphasized the significance of diversity. Ajanta Chakraborty, founder of Bollywood Groove, spoke about the core values of Holi, such as joy and social equalization. “It’s a day when everybody is the same,” she said. Holi’s traditions also stem from religious stories, celebrating good over evil. Attendee Avinash Singh shared memories of the festival from his childhood in India. Although some attendees wiped off color in the bathrooms, many were focused on enjoying the moment. Singh reminded everyone that life is fleeting, adding, “The purpose is to enjoy.” After the event, facilities teams worked to clean the area quickly, ensuring Navy Pier returned to normal in just a few days.