Redmond Celebrates Holi as State Senate Honors Sikh Community
The South Asian diaspora in Redmond and across the greater Seattle area marked the arrival of spring with vibrant Holi festivals, while their local state senator secured a landmark resolution celebrating the Sikh community's contributions to Washington state. These moments together reflect the growing cultural and political presence of the Desi community in the Eastside.
🎉 Governor Ferguson Wishes Holi, Seattle Area Hosts Color Celebrations
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson extended Holi greetings to the state on his official Facebook page, sharing a video message that recognized the Hindu festival of colors and its cultural importance to South Asian communities across Washington. The post coincided with coverage from ParentMap highlighting the Seattle area's most colorful celebrations of the year. Holi, a Hindu festival marking the arrival of spring, is celebrated with music, dancing, food, and the joyful tradition of throwing colored powders in the air. Seattle area communities this year organized a series of color festivals drawing families from across the region. ParentMap described the events as some of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in the city, underscoring the active presence of South Asian and Hindu communities in western Washington. The governor's public recognition is notable, signaling official acknowledgment of the festival's significance to Washington's diverse residents. [1]
🎉 Festival of Color Returns to Redmond City Hall in March
The Northwest Asian Weekly reported that communities across the Seattle area will celebrate Holi with a series of color festivals featuring music, dance, food, and family activities. The first major event of the season, the Festival of Color, was scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at Redmond City Hall, organized in partnership with the City of Redmond. The festival was set to run from noon to 5 p.m. and include music, dance performances, food vendors, and color celebrations. Admission was free, though organizers required advance registration for entry and for participation in raffle drawings. The Redmond City Hall venue underscores how the city has embraced the Hindu celebration as a civic event. A second major festival, Holi: The Colors Festival 2026 – United, was hosted by Beats of Washington on March 14 at Crossroads Park in Bellevue, continuing the regional tradition of multi-site Holi programming that draws thousands of South Asian diaspora families and their neighbors across the Eastside. [2]
🗳️ Washington Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Sikh Americans, Sponsored by Redmond's Manka Dhingra
The Washington State Senate passed a formal resolution honoring the contributions of Sikh Americans to the culture and history of Washington state and the country. The measure was sponsored by Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the first Sikh American ever elected to a state legislature in American history. In floor remarks, Dhingra drew on Sikh values of truth and service to community, noting that the religion had championed equality—including gender equality—as far back as the 15th century. She framed the resolution in the context of a current rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, calling on the state to ensure all people feel safe and welcomed. Dhingra also honored the historical arc of Sikh Americans in Washington, citing the 1907 Bellingham Riots, when Sikh Americans were violently expelled from the area, and contrasting that moment with today, when a Sikh American, Satpal Singh Sidhu, serves as Whatcom County Executive. The legislative session opened with a prayer by Sharn Kaur of the Khalsa Gurmat Center. The Sikh Centre of Seattle and Curries in Everett provided food for a reception following the vote. [3]
Sources: [1] facebook.com · [2] Northwest Asian Weekly · [3] Washington Senate Democrats (.gov)