Indians celebrate Diwali Festival
In a festive mood, the Indian community celebrated Diwali on the evening of Nov. 4 at the United Methodist Church. About 175 people attended.
Shobha Reddy, as emcee, conducted the program of “Festival of Lights” with effortless efficiency and light humor. Yogini Patel assembled the children and performed puja (worship) to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Hasika and Biyanka, adorable little girls, did Bharatha Natyam, a dance from South India, with cute movements of their little hands and feet. Their coordination was amazing.
Mrs. Gulsan sang a melodious song. Then Shiva Thiagarajan played violin and entertained us with riddles.
Meera Mahidhara mesmerized the onlookers with Kathak, a classical dance form from North India. Rich in beautiful poetic hand movements, facial expressions, and fluid foot work, Meera danced smiling, as if she was born to dance.
Five years old, Reyva, danced to a beatbased Hindi song with full energy, jumping up and down, tantalized the audience. Anish, 5 years old, got inspired on the spot after watching others perform, danced to a Hindi song.
It was the women's turn. Chitra, Ela, Indira, Juana, Rani, Rosio, Shobha, Urvashi and Yogini formed a circle for the Garbha, a Gujarathi dance. They wore yellow, pink, red and orange colored costumes and held colorful pots. They danced with rhythmic steps to a slow moving melodious music.
Anaiah sang a tune in Hindi, which was not her mother tongue. Then Dr. Venkateshan sang two songs, followed by a dance by Anishka, Manasvi, Varsha, Varna and Sheena.
Rajalaxmi, performed Bharatha Natyam, a classical dance from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states of India. With intricate gestures of hands, eyes and facial expressions her performance was a textbook description of the classical dance.
Gidha, a folk dance from Punjab, was performed by the Porterville Gidha Team. Switching to groups of twos and fours and taking turns, the women danced to the energetic Punjabi music.
Many volunteers helped us. Thanks to all of them.
Dr. Pannu and Dr. Rao distributed gift cards and certificates to the children who had participated. Then we had a delicious dinner from Brahma Bull Restaurant.
The Asian Indian community wishes all a happy and prosperous Diwali.