Sunday was International Women’s Day. And last week marked the Hindu observance of Holi, a multi-day celebration of color.

The Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium was full of life and vibrant color on Sunday, as the city observed both.

There were musical numbers by Adrika Vocal and Angier Elementary student Aadrika Ghosh as well as dance performances by Art N Dance Academy in Newton and others.

Speakers included Dr. Ami Bhatt, a Harvard professor and cardiologist, and other Newton women who have devoted their time to improving the lives of others: Radha Muthian from Newton Neighbors, Sharyn Roberts from the Newton League of Women Voters and State Rep. Amy Sangiolo. Other speakers included Mayor Marc Laredo and State Rep. Greg Schwartz.

And the warm weather made things quite nice for the ever-popular color-play outside.

Holi is a celebration of color, love, renewal and hope. It’s marked by community festivals, food and color—the brightest blues, the fieriest reds, the pops from all over the palate of the universe that tell us new beginnings are on the way.

International Women’s Day is a bit newer. The first one featured events organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York in 1909. Today, it’s celebrated in countries around the world in reflection of the great strides for humanity ushered along by women from all walks of life.

Check out these photos from Sunday’s event, graciously submitted by people who were there.

City Councilors Cyrus Dahmubed, left, and David Micley, right, participate in Holi color-play with Sharad Chand, middle, on March 8, 2026. Photo by Rakashi Chand

A performance at Holi 2026 at Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium. Photo by Anandani Sekhar

Emcees Sanjana and Sarina with Representatives Greg Schwartz and Amy Sangiolo, Mayor Marc Laredo, community members and Former School Committee Member, Rajeev Parlikar. Photo by Dana Hanson

A performance at Holi 2026 at Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium. Photo by Anandani Sekhar

Mayor Marc Laredo speaks at the Holi celebration at the Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium on March 8, 2026. Photo by Arijit Mitra.

Mayor Marc Laredo dances at the Holi celebration at the Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium on March 8, 2026. Photo by Arijit Mitra.

Revelers enjoy color-play with Sharad Chand (right) at the Holi 2026 celebration at Newton City Hall on March 8, 2026. Photo by Rakashi Chand

A performance at Holi 2026 at Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium. Photo by Arijit Mitra.

Performers pose at Newton’s Holi celebration at the City Hall War Memorial Auditorium on March 8, 2026. Photo by Arijit Mitra