Indian community celebrates Holi at Broadview Middle School

This year Holi, the festival of colors, was celebrated with much pomp and flair at the

Indian Families enjoy the Holi Celebration at Broadview Middle School Broadview Middle School in Danbury. This event was organized by the Indian Association of Greater Danbury (IAGD), which has had its presence in Fairfield County for the past 32 years, bringing the local Indian community together by arranging many such events.

The festival had a huge turnout and was well attended by members of our local community, who enjoyed an ar- ray of cultural programs and a variety of Indian cuisine, as well as Henna Art and live music by a DJ. The entire cultural event was flawlessly orchestrated by the Youth Committee and the Cultural Committee of the IAGD.

IAGD president Pragnesh Patel stated, “This event was organized by IAGD 15 years ago and we are bringing it back with the second generation youth to preserve our common goals and the best values of Indian culture – i.e., the performing arts – to [help them] grow into good citizens and into better, responsible human beings.”

IAGD Vice President Mini Pillai, Anindita Nanda and her students The major attraction was the cultural program, which featured dances by various groups, including Holi and folk dances by the students of Anindita Nanda (Master Artist in Indian dance and Music), a drama called “Holika Dahan” and dances from the Hindi School under Kishori Burman, folk dances by local children and a youth program by the Youth committee of IAGD and students of Danbury High School, headed by Nidhi and Siri Chillara, Divya Sriram, Ruchika Rana, Reshma Kharawla, Kushboo Rana, Krina and Carol Kharawla.

IAGD Vice President Mini Pillai noted that this outpouring of support and large turnout showed that Indian community had united for a great cause and still held on to their loyalty to the IAGD.

IAGD Vice President Sunil Suryawanshi said, “It was a great opportunity for all Indians in Danbury and the Greater Danbury area to come together and rejoice in the festivities that we so much miss from our part of the world.” Men, women and children were dressed in exquisite, festive attire for this ceremony, which spreads the message of universal goodwill and unity. The true spirit of Holi was captured when attendees smeared colored powder on each other, and though the festival really begins many days in advance, with “Holi Milan” or get-togethers and musical soirees where songs related to the festival are sung, it was brought right to our backyard, artfully captured in the wonderful performances by the children and the youth, ranging in age from three years to sixteen years.

Adding another feather to it cap, the IAGD successfully helped organize yet another event to remember, one where adults, youth and children came together, hand in hand, and proudly presented a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of India.

For updates about upcoming events and happenings in the Indian community, please check www.IAGDCT.org.

For pictures from the Holi celebrations, please check http://iagdct.org/7. html