McLean County Times

A Festival of Colors: Holi Moli will return to Uptown Normal on Saturday, April 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is organized by the South Asian Performing Arts Students and Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Clubs at Normal Community High School.

Several streets and parking areas in Uptown Normal will be closed for the celebration. Constitution Boulevard from College Avenue to Uptown Circle, southbound Constitution Boulevard from Mulberry to College Avenue, all of Uptown Circle, and all entrances and exits to Uptown Circle will be affected. No parking signs will be posted starting at 10 a.m., with street closures beginning at 11 a.m. Streets are expected to reopen around 6 p.m., once it is safe after the event. A map of these road closures can be found at https://arcg.is/a0Hy5.

Holi, rooted in Hindu mythology, marks the victory of good over evil and celebrates the arrival of spring after winter. The festival is known for its colorful traditions.

This year’s program features live music by Cosmic Rays, food provided by Bloom Bawarchi, and Kuchipudi dance performances titled "Kalinga Narthana Thillana" by Kavya Mathukumalli. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in throwing colored powder—a custom symbolizing unity and community spirit. Organizers encourage participants to wear white clothing for maximum effect during color throws. Admission and color packets are free.

The event schedule includes distribution of powder packets at 1 p.m., followed by an opening Kuchipudi dance performance at 1:15 p.m., with three rounds of color throwing throughout the afternoon.

Support for Holi Moli comes from several organizations including the Town of Normal, Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Children's Discovery Museum, McLean County Museum of History, Illinois Art Station, Indian Student Association at Illinois State University, and Parke Regency Hotel and Conference Center.

“All Town of Normal facilities are fully accessible. If you require assistance or accommodation to access programs, services or events provided by the Town of Normal, please email ADA Coordinator Mark Clinch or call 309-454-9580. The Town of Normal wants all residents to be able to participate equally in Town efforts and initiatives. We welcome your feedback.”