Club Spotlight: Asia Club Presents Holi Festival of Colors

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 80+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members, and offers information on how to connect with the clubs.

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Club: Asia Club

Meet: Kapil Patel ‘25, shown below, at left, a sophomore health administration major from Wyckoff, New Jersey, and social media coordinator of the Asia Club.

Connect: @uofs.asiaclub

About 150 people attended the April 22 Holi Festival of Colors hosted on the Dionne Green by The University of Scranton Asia Club, according to Kapil Patel ‘25, social media coordinator for the group. Patel shared insights about the tradition of Holi, one of the major festivals observed in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

He explained the meaning behind some of the bursts of color associated with the festival:

• blue, divine and the infinite,
• green, nature, new beginnings and happiness,
• pink, friendship and the joy of being alive,
• red, love and fertility,
• yellow, knowledge, learning and wisdom and
• purple, power and royalty

The event included performances of Hindi songs and Bollywood dances, as well as cuisine and beverages in theme with the event, such as lassi, a yogurt-based refreshment. Attendees received free T-shirts, which by the gathering's end reflected its colorful nature.

Above, Kapil Patel ‘25, left, a sophomore health administration major from Wyckoff, New Jersey and Asia Club social media coordinator, just moments before the beginning of the club hosted an April 22 Holi Festival of Colors. From left, are Asia Club officers Kapil Patel, Jay Patel '25, treasurer and Priyal Patel '23, vice president. Absent from photo, Sid Patel '23, president. 


Q: Regarding the Holi Festival of Colors hosted this past weekend, what did you feel was most successful? 
"Everyone from all backgrounds came together and danced together freely with so much love and energy despite of their differences. This event brought many people together and made everyone feel like one big family."

Q: What is the Asia Club mission?
"Asia Club’s mission is to spread awareness of Asian Culture on campus in a fun, interactive and unique way."

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?
"We have our Holi and Diwali/Navratri events, which are always a hit. We are planning a mock shaadi, which is a fake wedding where one is able to experience an Indian wedding."

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?
"It is a great way to experience Asian culture and it helps people from all over the world, not just Asia, connect with each other. It is really fun and very inclusive. You make a lot of friends that are very warm and welcoming."

Q: Why did you join the club?
"I was introduced to the club by a friend. I joined and found my home away from home. I felt a sense of belonging on campus which was something I never thought I would have right when I walked into campus. I met people I can now call my family and I can rely on them any moment of the day."

Q: Please share the format of a typical club meeting. What topics do you discuss?
"We discuss our agenda for the semester and play some fun games to keep everyone involved and entertained. We also ask for ideas and volunteers for events."

Q: When and where does the Asia Club meet?
"We rarely have meetings. We are more of a event-based club."