Holi draws thousands
Foster City’s Leo J. Ryan Park is hosting one of the Bay Area’s largest Holi celebrations this weekend—thousands are expected for color powder, music, dance and food in a 15‑year tradition ( ). The Haryanvi Bay Area Association also marked Holi at Fremont’s Lake Elizabeth with traditional music and regional food, underscoring multiple community celebrations across the Peninsula (indiapost.com).
BayBasi, Inc. is listed as the host for the Leo J. Ryan Park Holi festival on March 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the event page notes free public admission. (baybasi.org) Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park spans about 20 acres and the city’s parks page says the meadow and amphitheater are available for special-event use while also noting the Holi festival is not a city‑sponsored program. (fostercity.org) Foster City’s special‑event permit guide requires an application for gatherings of more than 50 people and routes higher‑impact requests through an interdepartmental review — the city recommends reserving dates up to a year in advance. (fostercity.org) Organizers have advertised live music, traditional dance and food vendors on the program, and local coverage references a DJ and stage performances as part of the day’s schedule. (indiacurrents.com) Health and safety notices used by Holi organizers typically point to cosmetic‑grade, non‑toxic powders; Poison Control and manufacturer MSDS documents warn some powders can contain harmful additives and recommend buying from reputable suppliers. (poison.org) The Bay Area hosted multiple Holi gatherings this month — including FOG Holi at Washington High School in Fremont on March 7 and Lake Elizabeth events organized by community groups such as the Gujarati Cultural Association and UMA — each using event‑specific rules on approved colors and registration. (fogsv.com) Local community groups tied to specific regional traditions were active nearby: the Haryanvi Bayarea Association is listed in local directories and India Post coverage of Fremont Holi events has highlighted state‑style performances and regional food at Lake Elizabeth gatherings. (mapquest.com)
