RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, March 18, Village Green Park in Rancho Cordova transformed into a vibrant canvas of colors as the community celebrated Holi, the joyful Indian festival of love and unity. City Manager Micah Runner, along with his family, attended the event and addressed the gathering, emphasizing how the city embraces multiculturalism, fosters a positive image, and ensures a safe, inviting, and livable community that empowers responsible citizenship.

CRPD Board Member and artist Rick Sloan also spoke, expressing his delight at witnessing the community come together like a live painting.

City Councilmember Mr. Gatewood, who co-founded the Holi festival with the Sacramento Telangana Association (STA), sent a message of support as he was unable to attend due to prior commitments. STA collaborated with the Telugu Association of Greater Sacramento (TAGS), Kannada Sangha of Sacramento (KSS), and We Embrace, an organization supporting children and adults with different abilities and their families.

The event, which began six years ago with only 50 community members, has now grown to attract over 2,000 attendees. STA President Srinath Babu, alongside board members Sunitha Venteru, Swapna Peddi, and trustees Mr. Srinivas Kumbam and Mr. Laxma Legala, welcomed the community and expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts of TAGS, KSS, and We Embrace in building strong community connections.

TAGS President Chivukala Raghav, Vice President Prem Reddy, and KSS President Prasanna Bhat pledged to organize more collaborative events in the future, uniting various community organizations and fostering a sense of togetherness. They thanked the City of Rancho Cordova for sponsoring the event.

Anil Reddy Kondakrindi, STA co-founder and City of Rancho Cordova Planning Commission Chair, addressed the gathering, stating that the city represents unity in diversity. Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter, providing an opportunity for individuals to forgive, mend broken relationships, and rejoice in unity. The lively colors and high-spirited atmosphere of Holi create a sense of belonging and togetherness in the diverse community.

As Holi was celebrated this year, attendees were encouraged to appreciate the rich cultural heritage uniting them and to allow the colors of Holi to spread happiness, love, and harmony in their lives. The festival serves as an inspiration for building a more inclusive and compassionate community in Rancho Cordova.