Pune (Maharashtra) [India], March 15: The LGBTQ community and allies came together in a spectacular display of color, music, and unity as Mist LGBTQ Foundation hosted a Holi celebration like no other in Mundwa, Pune. This event wasn’t just about playing with colors—it was a bold initiative to create a safe, inclusive space where LGBTQ individuals could celebrate without fear, without judgment, and with complete freedom to be themselves.
A Festival of Colors and Acceptance
Holi, a festival that signifies the triumph of love and togetherness over division, took on an even deeper meaning at this celebration. For many LGBTQ individuals, traditional festive spaces can often feel unwelcoming or even unsafe. But on this day, Mundwa became a haven of acceptance, joy, and belonging—a place where everyone was free to express themselves fully and unapologetically.
The atmosphere was electrifying, with a Punjabi dhol tasha performance kicking off the event, setting an energetic and festive tone. As the beats echoed through the air, people danced their hearts out, celebrating not just Holi, but also their identities, their community, and their right to exist without discrimination.
A DJ kept the crowd moving with a mix of traditional Holi songs and high-energy dance tracks, ensuring the celebration was as vibrant as the colors in the air. From classic Bollywood Holi anthems to modern beats, the music created a sense of unity among everyone present, bringing together different identities under the shared joy of the festival.
More Than Just a Celebration—A Movement
Beyond the fun and festivities, the event also had a bigger purpose—to raise funds for Mist LGBTQ Foundation’s initiatives. Proceeds from the event will go toward mental health support, crisis support for LGBTQ individuals, and advocacy programs aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
“This event isn’t just about celebrating Holi—it’s about creating a space where LGBTQ individuals don’t have to hide, where they can truly belong,” said Shyam Konnur from Mist LGBTQ Foundation. “We want to make sure that no one in our community ever feels alone or excluded.”
The spirit of celebrating Holi with our chosen family in a safe and inclusive environment was once again brought to life by the incredible participation of our community members,” said Sriram Sridhar, Executive Director at Mist LGBTQ Foundation. “We are proud that our efforts to create welcoming spaces for everyone continue to grow stronger every day.”
A Space to Belong
Attendees expressed how meaningful it was to have a festival space where they felt truly welcome. Many shared stories of feeling left out of traditional celebrations in the past, making this Holi even more special.
“This is my first Holi in years,” said one participant. “Usually, I avoid celebrations because I don’t feel comfortable being myself. But here, I could dance, throw colors, and just enjoy the festival without worrying about judgment.”
The Colors of Change
As the festival came to an end, one thing was clear—this was more than just a Holi celebration. It was a step toward a world where love and acceptance shine brighter than prejudice.
Mist LGBTQ Foundation’s Holi celebration proved that festivals should be for everyone—a place where joy is shared, identities are embraced, and no one is left out. With colors flying high and spirits soaring, this event set a powerful example for how love, music, and community can bring about real change.
Additional Quote’s – Firdaus (Mr Gay India 2024)
Mist Foundation created a Holi where everyone could celebrate freely. With safe spaces, organic colors, and pure joy, it was more than a festival—it was belonging in full color.
Additional Quote’s – Tejas (Health Coordinator Mist LGBTQ Foundation)
At MIST, we believe in integrating health and celebration, making safer choices more accessible and engaging. As part of our ongoing HIV testing and prevention initiative, we provided free party passes to individuals who availed of our services. We’re thrilled that 25+ people joined us at the Holi Bash through this initiative, reinforcing the idea that community, safety, and joy can go hand in hand. A huge thank you to our donors for making this possible—your support helps us create impactful, stigma-free spaces where health and happiness thrive together
For more information about Mist LGBTQ Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.lgbtq.co.in
Your Sincerely,
Susmit Bansode
Advocacy Officer
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