Indian-origin FBI Director Kash Patel shared a post on X wishing everyone a Happy Holi, featuring a vibrant image related to the festival. His celebration of Holi sparked a mixed response among users, with many praising the post for its depiction of joy, renewal, and community. However, some criticized Patel, arguing that government officials should only promote U.S.-recognized holidays. Comments ranged from appreciation of the cultural significance of Holi to expressions of discomfort, with some users claiming it was inappropriate for a government employee to engage in non-American festivities. Patel, born to Gujarati parents, took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
Indian-origin FBI Director Kash Patel took to X to share a stunning image wishing everyone a Happy Holi. However, his post celebrating the festival sparked a debate among X users. While many appreciated the gesture and were impressed by Patel’s post, some expressed their discontent, arguing that government officials should only highlight American holidays and festivals.
What did Kash Patel share?
“Happy Holi—The Festival of Colors,” Patel wrote, along with a photo depicting a person holding gulal while wearing a white dress splattered with vibrant colors.
Take a look at the post here:
Social media is divided:
While the majority were enchanted by Patel’s Holi post, a minority were not so pleased. They contended that as a government employee, he ought to focus his public messages on festivals acknowledged by the US government.
One user stated, “Now this is a holiday I could get to like… Especially the GOOD over EVIL part. Holi signifies the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, rooted in the tale of Holika and Prahlad. It’s a time for unity, forgiveness, and mending relationships. The festival is well-known for its playful customs—participants throw colored powders (gulal) and water at each other, sing, dance, and feast. Bonfires are lit the night prior (Holika Dahan) to signify the removal of negativity.”
Another person commented, “Happy Holi! A beautiful celebration of color, joy, and renewal.” A third user expressed, “Wishing everyone a joyful and vibrant Holi!” A fourth added, “Wishing you a colorful, blessed Holi.”
However, not everyone was pleased with the Holi greeting, as evidenced by one individual who remarked, “I wish my government workers would only celebrate American holidays.” Another stated, “Cringe. You realize we don’t celebrate this holiday in America. Read the room. We don’t want to hear about this.”
Kash Patel’s Indian roots:
Born in New York to Gujarati parents in 1980, Patel took his oath as the ninth Director of the FBI on the Bhagavad Gita. A previous video of him touched hearts as he was seen paying respect by touching his parents’ feet.