Our Team
The People Behind NOLA Holi
Board of Directors
NOLA Holi is organized by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising community leaders, volunteers, and passionate individuals who believe in the power of celebration to unite people. Together, they work year-round to bring this vibrant festival to life.
Meet Our Board
Dr. Arun Lakhotia
Founder & President
Arun founded NOLA Holi in honor of his late wife Michelle, bringing their shared dream of celebrating Holi in New Orleans to life. He a first-generation Indian-American and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 2010 he founded the Lafayette Holi Festival that is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of March.
Raj Shah
Founder
Raj recently stepped into the leadership of Metairie’s International Market. A 2nd generation Indian American, he hails from the New Orleans region, steadfastly upholding his grandfather’s legacy by overseeing the family business—a bustling hub renowned for its diverse array of ethnic foods and a meeting place of cultures.
Dr. Jignesh Patel
Founder & Secretary
Jignesh is a physician with Ochsner in New Orleans. He is a 2nd generation Indian American, schooled and raised in the Lafayette area, and now settled in New Orleans. He belongs to a family that has been very active in the Acadiana Indian community.
Dr. Rachana (Ruchi) Sus
Treasurer
Ruchi is a first-generation Indian physician at Tulane Hospital who is passionate about sharing the beauty of Indian culture and all things Bollywood. A dedicated community volunteer, she loves bringing people together to celebrate traditions that unite and inspire.
Gina Jagtiani
Gina, a second-generation Indian-American, is a luxury travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel who designs curated itineraries centered around culture, food, music, and sunshine. Fora Travel She self-describes her travel style as that of a “luxury nomad always on an adventure,” with a passion for exploring solo travel, beaches, and destinations like Greece and New Orleans.
Our Mission
Our mission is to celebrate diversity, foster cultural understanding, and bring communities together through the joyful celebration of Holi in New Orleans.
Celebrate Diversity
Honor and showcase the rich tapestry of cultures that make New Orleans unique, with special focus on Indian heritage and traditions.
Build Community
Create spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together, break down barriers, and form meaningful connections through shared celebration.
Educate & Inspire
Share the history and significance of Holi while inspiring others to embrace joy, forgiveness, and the celebration of new beginnings.
Volunteer Committee Leaders
In addition to our Board of Directors, NOLA Holi is supported by dedicated committee leaders who coordinate different aspects of the festival.
Event Operations
Logistics, venue coordination, permits, and day-of operations
Volunteer Coordination
Recruiting, training, scheduling, and supporting our volunteer team
Marketing & PR
Social media, press releases, community outreach, and promotion
Sponsorship
Securing sponsors, managing partnerships, and donor relations
Programming
Booking performers, coordinating entertainment, and cultural activities
Vendor Relations
Managing food vendors, artisans, and marketplace logistics
Join Our Team
Interested in taking a leadership role with NOLA Holi? We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our organizing team, serve on committees, or contribute their skills to making the festival even better.