Largest Family-Friendly Festival of Colors on the East Coast Brings Together Thousands for a Day of Live Performances, Cultural Celebration, Food & Community
Our Bureau
Jersey City, NJ
Surati for Performing Arts proudly announces the return of “Rimli Roy & Surati Holi Hai” 2026 – The Festival of Colors on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Exchange Place, Jersey City from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Now recognized as one of the East Coast’s largest and longest-running Holi celebrations, Surati Holi Hai continues its mission of bringing together diverse communities through art, culture, music, dance, and the joyful spirit of color. The festival is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond for a vibrant day-long waterfront celebration inspired by the traditional Indian spring festival of colors.
Programming and live performances will take place from 12 PM to 3 PM featuring an exciting lineup of artists and performers. Surati is thrilled to present this year special guest artists visiting from India – Sumit Roy (Man with the Golden Voice & Calypso King), Rajesh Roy (Composer, film-maker and performer) and sensational multi-lingual Bollywood playback singer Pritha Majumdar.
Surati guest artists from India Sumit, Rajesh and Pritha will also be performing as part of the Surati Baul Blues Band on Thursday, June 4 at the Voices International Festival presented by Jersey City Theatre Center at White Eagle Hall starting at 7 pm. The performances will feature original compositions of the artists.
Holi Hai performances will also feature Surati leading dancers Harsha Harikumar (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam), Hitanshi Patel (Bharatnatyam), Moushumi Phukan (Bihu), and Masala Bhangra Founder Sarina Jain. The Surati dance team will perform a surprise piece led by Artistic Director Rimli Roy and danced story-telling of the history and significance of Holi. Live music and multicultural performances are a central highlight of the festival experience.
“Holi is more than just a festival of colors, it is a celebration of unity, acceptance, peace, celebration and human connection. Our motto continues to be ‘When everyone is Colorful, no one is different’” said Rimli Roy, Founder and Artistic Director of Surati for Performing Arts.
Surati’s Holi Hai has become one of Jersey City’s most vibrant and beloved cultural celebrations, bringing together thousands of residents and visitors to experience the joy, traditions, and spirit of Holi. We are proud to support Surati and this outstanding event, which showcases the rich cultural diversity that makes our city so special. Celebrations like Holi Hai foster connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging, reminding us that our diversity is one of Jersey City’s greatest strengths.
-Christine Goodman, Director of Cultural Affairs, City of Jersey City
At 3:30 PM, the festivities transition into the highly anticipated color celebration featuring synchronized color tosses, live DJ music, dancing, audience participation, and interactive entertainment throughout the waterfront venue.
Attendees will also be able to explore a vibrant marketplace of local vendors and community organizations offering traditional Indian cuisine, beverages, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, cultural merchandise, and interactive activities throughout the day.
Like previous years, Surati Holi Hai aims to create a truly multicultural and inclusive experience welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities to celebrate together through art and shared joy. The festival is free to attend, while registration is recommended. Attendees can also buy the VIP experience which includes an exclusive tent with direct stage view, colors, food, drinks and private restrooms.
Surati Holi Hai 2026 is made possible through the generous support of community organizations, tourism partners, cultural institutions, and local businesses committed to celebrating diversity, arts, and multicultural community engagement.
2026 festival sponsors include: Exchange Place Alliance, Hudson County Cultural Affairs and Tourism (Visit Hudson), Newport, Neiha Kapoor – Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan and Curry On Indian Restaurant.
Community partners include NJPAC Community Engagement, Blue Foundry Bank, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Newport Ice Rink & Racquetball and Bike JC.
Surati’s year-round arts and cultural programming is made possible through the continued support of state, county, and community arts organizations dedicated to expanding access to multicultural artistic experiences and public programming. Year-round programming support includes New Jersey Tourism (VisitNJ), Hudson County Cultural Affairs (Visit Hudson), Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund and Dance NYC.
