Indian-Origin FBI Director Kash Patel’s Holi Post Fails To Strike A Chord With Internet

Last Updated:March 15, 2025, 12:27 IST

The response to Kash Patel’s Holi post was mixed. Many embraced the sentiment, showering the comments section with love.

Kash Patel was born in New York on February 25, 1980, to Gujarati immigrant parents. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Festivals have a way of sparking conversations and this time, it was Holi that set social media abuzz. FBI Director Kash Patel, of Indian origin, took to X to share his festive spirit, posting a vibrant photo alongside a cheerful “Happy Holi” message. But what was meant to be a simple celebration of colours soon ignited a debate. Most users welcomed Patel’s post, appreciating the cultural recognition and joining in on the festive cheer. However, not everyone was thrilled. A small section of X users argued that government officials should stick to celebrating only American holidays.

“Happy Holi—The Festival of Colors,” Patel wrote. Along with his message, he shared a striking image of a person dressed in white, now drenched in vibrant gulal. It ended up dividing opinions online.

The response to Patel’s Holi post was mixed. Many embraced the sentiment, showering the comments section with love. One user enthusiastically wrote, “Now this is a holiday I could get to like… Especially the GOOD over EVIL part. Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, rooted in the legend of Holika and Prahlad. It’s a time for people to come together, forgive past grievances and renew relationships. The festival is famous for its playful traditions, people throw coloured powders (gulal) and water at each other, sing, dance and feast. Bonfires are lit the night before (Holika Dahan) to symbolise burning away negativity.”

Another user joined in and wrote, “Happy Holi! A beautiful celebration of colour, joy, and renewal.” A third added, “Wishing everyone a joyful and vibrant Holi!” Others kept it short and sweet: “Wishing you a colourful, blessed Holi.”

But while many joined in the festivities, some weren’t as accepting. One user bluntly stated, “I wish my government workers only celebrated American holidays.” Another was even more direct: “Cringe. You realise we don’t celebrate this holiday in America. Read the room. We don’t want to hear about this.”

Kashyap Pramod Patel, 44, was born in New York on February 25, 1980, to Gujarati immigrant parents. He has always stayed connected to his heritage. When he was sworn in as the ninth Director of the FBI, he took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a moment that resonated with many in the Indian-American community. In a past viral video, Patel was also seen touching his parents’ feet – a traditional gesture of respect in Indian culture.

That small act had won him admiration before and now, his Holi post was doing the same – though not without stirring controversy along the way.

Location :

Delhi, India, India