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ICC Book List

The Black Lives Matter movement changed how we talk and think about race.  We want children to be anti-racists, and we also want children to feel good about themselves when they look or feel different.  ICC was founded, in part, so kids of South Asian descent could meet kids who share their culture.  For all the kids in ICC’s South Asian community and in the larger community, ICC has compiled a booklist for kids 0 to 18 which (mostly) explores the experience of being South Asian.  Many of the books address race directly and many explore cultural identity and self-esteem.  The list also showcases the literary talent of South Asian authors.

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ICC thanks Greenwich High School students Divya Shenoy and Veda Swaminathan, a president of the GHS South Asian Heritage Club for researching and compiling this list.

  • What is Holi?
    A Centuries-Old Festival Holi, known as the "Festival of Colors," marks the beginning of spring—a time for new beginnings, forgiveness, and letting go of grievances. Originating in Hindu tradition, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Holi is now a national holiday in India. Dressed in white, people take to the streets to throw vibrant colored powders and water, reveling in music, dance, and joy
  • Where is Holifest?
    Roger Sherman Baldwin Park 100 Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830 (immediately off Rte. 95 Exit 3)
  • Where can I park?
    Parking is in the Greenwich Island Beach Parking Lot across from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Overflow parking can be found in the Horseneck Lane Parking lot just north of the highway. This is a 2 minute walk to the event site. NOTE: Parking in the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park lot is reserved for skateboarders. Anyone parking in the skateboard lot will receive a parking ticket.
  • How do we check in when we arrive?
    Go directly to the check-in table when you arrive. Show the QR code on your phone or print out tickets to be scanned. You will receive a QR code for each ticket so make sure to print out all pages. If you register by April 18th, you are guaranteed a FREE commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you check-in. If you are part of a group that purchased a private tent or a table in the Community Tent, you can go directly to your tent and bypass registration.
  • How do we get a FREE HoliFest t-shirt?
    It is a Holi tradition to wear white. Register by April 18th and you are guaranteed a free commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you arrive. Size choices are kids small, kids large, adults medium, and adult XL. Sizes are first come first serve when you arrive. ​
  • How will we get the colored powder?
    Ten minutes before the color throw, everyone can queue up for your first round of color. You must be wearing a wristband to receive color, and can refill as many times as you would like. If you are part of a tent group or have a table in the community tent, starter color will be delivered to your tent.
  • Is the powder safe?
    CrazeeColors is providing the color. Their powder is safe, non-toxic, and made from high-quality cornstarch and food-grade colors. It is gluten-free.
  • Will the color stain clothes?
    CrazeeColors products are easy to clean and do not stain. The powder washes off and cleans easily off clothing, hats, and sneakers. To make cleaning easier, shake the excess powder off before washing. NOTE: ICC will hand out bags so you can launder your t-shirts as soon as you get home.
  • What if the powder gets in the eye?
    In a few rare instances, the powder may get in an eye. CrazeeColors' powder will not harm eyes. Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) will be on standby to flush eyes if needed.
  • What if the powder gets in my car?
    The powder is easily vacuumed. ICC recommends that you bring plastic raincoats to wear home or bring a blanket, tarp, or beach towels or cover your seats for the ride home. You can also use your blanket or tarp to sit on at HoliFest.
  • What food will there be?
    Come hungry! Dhabelawala Indian Shack will be serving food. A taco truck will be serving tacos, Dosa King will be serving Dosas, and Kona will have shaved ice for everyone to enjoy. All food is available for purchase and is not included in your ticket.
  • Are pets allowed?
    No. The Town of Greenwich does not allow pets at the Park.
  • Where can we sit? Will there be tables and chairs?
    HoliFest is picnic-style. ICC recommends that you bring lawn chairs and/or tarps or blankets. Tarps and blankets can be used to cover your car seats on the trip home.
  • What if it rains?
    HoliFest will be held rain or shine. In India, Holi is celebrated with color and water. Water becomes part of the experience.
  • What is ICC's refund policy?
    There are no refunds.
  • Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
    Yes. If you give your ticket to someone else they must present the QR code on paper or on their phone. A QR code can only be used once.
  • Is it safe to bring a camera or phone to take pictures?
    Everyone takes pictures during HoliFest, however, ICC is not liable for damage that might be done to your phone or camera. A protective dust wrap is recommended especially for cameras to protect it from the dust from the powder.
  • Are their restrooms at the park?
    There will be one portable toilet available. If you have an emergency, speak with someone at registration.
  • What else do I need to know?
    ICC is not responsible for valuables and recommends that valuables be left at home. If you get separated from your child, go to the DJ who will make an announcement.
  • A Note about Photography​
    During your visit, you may be photographed or filmed by an ICC-authorized photographer or videographer. Your attendance at the event serves as permission for the use of your image by ICC.

Ages 0-3

  • What is Holi?
    A Centuries-Old Festival Holi, known as the "Festival of Colors," marks the beginning of spring—a time for new beginnings, forgiveness, and letting go of grievances. Originating in Hindu tradition, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Holi is now a national holiday in India. Dressed in white, people take to the streets to throw vibrant colored powders and water, reveling in music, dance, and joy
  • Where is Holifest?
    Roger Sherman Baldwin Park 100 Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830 (immediately off Rte. 95 Exit 3)
  • Where can I park?
    Parking is in the Greenwich Island Beach Parking Lot across from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Overflow parking can be found in the Horseneck Lane Parking lot just north of the highway. This is a 2 minute walk to the event site. NOTE: Parking in the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park lot is reserved for skateboarders. Anyone parking in the skateboard lot will receive a parking ticket.
  • How do we check in when we arrive?
    Go directly to the check-in table when you arrive. Show the QR code on your phone or print out tickets to be scanned. You will receive a QR code for each ticket so make sure to print out all pages. If you register by April 18th, you are guaranteed a FREE commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you check-in. If you are part of a group that purchased a private tent or a table in the Community Tent, you can go directly to your tent and bypass registration.
  • How do we get a FREE HoliFest t-shirt?
    It is a Holi tradition to wear white. Register by April 18th and you are guaranteed a free commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you arrive. Size choices are kids small, kids large, adults medium, and adult XL. Sizes are first come first serve when you arrive. ​
  • How will we get the colored powder?
    Ten minutes before the color throw, everyone can queue up for your first round of color. You must be wearing a wristband to receive color, and can refill as many times as you would like. If you are part of a tent group or have a table in the community tent, starter color will be delivered to your tent.
  • Is the powder safe?
    CrazeeColors is providing the color. Their powder is safe, non-toxic, and made from high-quality cornstarch and food-grade colors. It is gluten-free.
  • Will the color stain clothes?
    CrazeeColors products are easy to clean and do not stain. The powder washes off and cleans easily off clothing, hats, and sneakers. To make cleaning easier, shake the excess powder off before washing. NOTE: ICC will hand out bags so you can launder your t-shirts as soon as you get home.
  • What if the powder gets in the eye?
    In a few rare instances, the powder may get in an eye. CrazeeColors' powder will not harm eyes. Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) will be on standby to flush eyes if needed.
  • What if the powder gets in my car?
    The powder is easily vacuumed. ICC recommends that you bring plastic raincoats to wear home or bring a blanket, tarp, or beach towels or cover your seats for the ride home. You can also use your blanket or tarp to sit on at HoliFest.
  • What food will there be?
    Come hungry! Dhabelawala Indian Shack will be serving food. A taco truck will be serving tacos, Dosa King will be serving Dosas, and Kona will have shaved ice for everyone to enjoy. All food is available for purchase and is not included in your ticket.
  • Are pets allowed?
    No. The Town of Greenwich does not allow pets at the Park.
  • Where can we sit? Will there be tables and chairs?
    HoliFest is picnic-style. ICC recommends that you bring lawn chairs and/or tarps or blankets. Tarps and blankets can be used to cover your car seats on the trip home.
  • What if it rains?
    HoliFest will be held rain or shine. In India, Holi is celebrated with color and water. Water becomes part of the experience.
  • What is ICC's refund policy?
    There are no refunds.
  • Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
    Yes. If you give your ticket to someone else they must present the QR code on paper or on their phone. A QR code can only be used once.
  • Is it safe to bring a camera or phone to take pictures?
    Everyone takes pictures during HoliFest, however, ICC is not liable for damage that might be done to your phone or camera. A protective dust wrap is recommended especially for cameras to protect it from the dust from the powder.
  • Are their restrooms at the park?
    There will be one portable toilet available. If you have an emergency, speak with someone at registration.
  • What else do I need to know?
    ICC is not responsible for valuables and recommends that valuables be left at home. If you get separated from your child, go to the DJ who will make an announcement.
  • A Note about Photography​
    During your visit, you may be photographed or filmed by an ICC-authorized photographer or videographer. Your attendance at the event serves as permission for the use of your image by ICC.

Ages 3-5

  • What is Holi?
    A Centuries-Old Festival Holi, known as the "Festival of Colors," marks the beginning of spring—a time for new beginnings, forgiveness, and letting go of grievances. Originating in Hindu tradition, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Holi is now a national holiday in India. Dressed in white, people take to the streets to throw vibrant colored powders and water, reveling in music, dance, and joy
  • Where is Holifest?
    Roger Sherman Baldwin Park 100 Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830 (immediately off Rte. 95 Exit 3)
  • Where can I park?
    Parking is in the Greenwich Island Beach Parking Lot across from Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Overflow parking can be found in the Horseneck Lane Parking lot just north of the highway. This is a 2 minute walk to the event site. NOTE: Parking in the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park lot is reserved for skateboarders. Anyone parking in the skateboard lot will receive a parking ticket.
  • How do we check in when we arrive?
    Go directly to the check-in table when you arrive. Show the QR code on your phone or print out tickets to be scanned. You will receive a QR code for each ticket so make sure to print out all pages. If you register by April 18th, you are guaranteed a FREE commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you check-in. If you are part of a group that purchased a private tent or a table in the Community Tent, you can go directly to your tent and bypass registration.
  • How do we get a FREE HoliFest t-shirt?
    It is a Holi tradition to wear white. Register by April 18th and you are guaranteed a free commemorative HoliFest 2025 t-shirt when you arrive. Size choices are kids small, kids large, adults medium, and adult XL. Sizes are first come first serve when you arrive. ​
  • How will we get the colored powder?
    Ten minutes before the color throw, everyone can queue up for your first round of color. You must be wearing a wristband to receive color, and can refill as many times as you would like. If you are part of a tent group or have a table in the community tent, starter color will be delivered to your tent.
  • Is the powder safe?
    CrazeeColors is providing the color. Their powder is safe, non-toxic, and made from high-quality cornstarch and food-grade colors. It is gluten-free.
  • Will the color stain clothes?
    CrazeeColors products are easy to clean and do not stain. The powder washes off and cleans easily off clothing, hats, and sneakers. To make cleaning easier, shake the excess powder off before washing. NOTE: ICC will hand out bags so you can launder your t-shirts as soon as you get home.
  • What if the powder gets in the eye?
    In a few rare instances, the powder may get in an eye. CrazeeColors' powder will not harm eyes. Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) will be on standby to flush eyes if needed.
  • What if the powder gets in my car?
    The powder is easily vacuumed. ICC recommends that you bring plastic raincoats to wear home or bring a blanket, tarp, or beach towels or cover your seats for the ride home. You can also use your blanket or tarp to sit on at HoliFest.
  • What food will there be?
    Come hungry! Dhabelawala Indian Shack will be serving food. A taco truck will be serving tacos, Dosa King will be serving Dosas, and Kona will have shaved ice for everyone to enjoy. All food is available for purchase and is not included in your ticket.
  • Are pets allowed?
    No. The Town of Greenwich does not allow pets at the Park.
  • Where can we sit? Will there be tables and chairs?
    HoliFest is picnic-style. ICC recommends that you bring lawn chairs and/or tarps or blankets. Tarps and blankets can be used to cover your car seats on the trip home.
  • What if it rains?
    HoliFest will be held rain or shine. In India, Holi is celebrated with color and water. Water becomes part of the experience.
  • What is ICC's refund policy?
    There are no refunds.
  • Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
    Yes. If you give your ticket to someone else they must present the QR code on paper or on their phone. A QR code can only be used once.
  • Is it safe to bring a camera or phone to take pictures?
    Everyone takes pictures during HoliFest, however, ICC is not liable for damage that might be done to your phone or camera. A protective dust wrap is recommended especially for cameras to protect it from the dust from the powder.
  • Are their restrooms at the park?
    There will be one portable toilet available. If you have an emergency, speak with someone at registration.
  • What else do I need to know?
    ICC is not responsible for valuables and recommends that valuables be left at home. If you get separated from your child, go to the DJ who will make an announcement.
  • A Note about Photography​
    During your visit, you may be photographed or filmed by an ICC-authorized photographer or videographer. Your attendance at the event serves as permission for the use of your image by ICC.

Ages 5-8

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