NYC In Focus

Drenched in Joy: An Explosive Holi Celebration at South Street Seaport

Published by

Howard Weiss

on

Manhattan, March 15, 2025–

Holi, known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a vibrant Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for new beginnings. It’s a day when social barriers melt away, and everyone is invited to participate in the exuberant tradition of throwing dry colored powders (gulal) and colored water at each other. And at the historic South Street Seaport, with its maritime backdrop, the tradition took on a uniquely urban charm.

A child sits on a man’s shoulders at a Holi festival, covered in colorful powder. Other people, also covered in powder, are visible in the background. The setting appears to be an outdoor urban space.

From the moment I arrived, the energy was palpable. People streamed into the designated areas, clutching bags of vibrant powders – reds, blues, greens, yellows, pinks. Anticipation hung in the air, a playful tension building until the first organized bursts of color transformed the landscape. Then, it was pure, unadulterated chaos – the best kind!

A large group of people, mostly women, with vibrant pink and purple Holi powder on their skin and clothing, joyfully raise their arms in celebration at an outdoor event. A city backdrop is visible.

Faces, initially clean, quickly became works of abstract art. Every laugh, every embrace, every playful chase added another layer of pigment. Children shrieked with delight as their parents covered them in pink; friends chased each other with handfuls of yellow, only to collapse in colorful giggles. The air was thick with flying powder, creating ephemeral clouds of joy that momentarily obscured the city skyline before dissipating into the bright March sun.

A vibrant Holi festival scene unfolds outdoors, featuring people covered in pink and blue powder. A woman in a white sweater and jeans smiles, covered in colorful powder, while another person with blue-tinged hair is in the background. A city backdrop is visible.

What truly stood out was the incredible sense of community and liberation. For a few glorious hours, worries seemed to vanish. Strangers exchanged knowing glances, shared bursts of color, and quickly became co-conspirators in fun. It was a beautiful reminder of how simple, collective joy can transcend differences and create bonds, however fleeting. As a photographer, capturing these moments of genuine human connection and uninhibited freedom is what I live for.

Young girls in vibrant purple and gold traditional Indian attire perform a dance on an outdoor stage, observed by a large crowd of onlookers. City skyscrapers form the backdrop.

The scene against the backdrop of the Seaport’s historic ships and modern buildings offered a striking contrast – ancient tradition clashing beautifully with contemporary urban life. It was a unique visual symphony of culture, color, and celebration. As the day wound down, the ground was a patchwork quilt of discarded color, and every participant was a walking, talking masterpiece, carrying the joy of Holi with them.

A group of South Asian adults, covered in vibrant Holi powder, smiles for a photograph. The scene is outdoors, at a festival.

Holi at South Street Seaport was more than just an event; it was an experience. A vibrant, exhilarating testament to the power of tradition to bring people together, paint smiles on faces, and literally color the world with joy. I’m already looking forward to next year!

What’s the most colorful festival you’ve ever experienced? Share your stories in the comments!

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