BY SONAM MIRPURI
ARTESIA, CA - The Federation of Indian American Associations (FIA) and the City of Artesia presented the Festival of Lights on Oct. 22 on Pioneer Boulevard here blocking off the street from 183rd to 187th, starting in the evening and going on late into the night. The streets of Artesia were alive with multiple attractions...
ARTESIA, CA - The Federation of Indian American Associations (FIA) and the City of Artesia presented the Festival of Lights on Oct. 22 on Pioneer Boulevard here blocking off the street from 183rd to 187th, starting in the evening and going on late into the night. The streets of Artesia were alive with multiple attractions...
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for the thousands who attended. A Rath Yatra, cultural program, Bollywood singers from India, to name a few were some of the attractions. Additionally, booths were set up to hold a variety of foods, clothing, jewelry among others. A health fair was also a big hit. On the corner of Pioneer Blvd. and 187th was a Kids Corner with an assortment of games and rides for children.
To kick start the event, attendees witnessed a Rath Yatra, a reenactment of the chariot in which Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman returned home after exile. Once the chariot reached the stage, the cultural program began. There were a variety of dances. One of the many performances was a Ganesh Vandana which depicted the 32 forms of Ganesha. In addition there was also a dance by a little girl who remixed songs from Bollywood and Hollywood to create an adorable mash-up.
Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo; Mayor Pro Tem, Ali Sajjad Taj; and other City of Artesia Council members came on stage to perform a lamp lighting ceremony. Manalo said a few words wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. He also briefly recounted the story of Diwali and what it means to Indians. Many who attended took advantage of the free health fair medical camp which was organized by Ishwar Deedwania, Dr. Nitin Shah, Naranjan Bhatt and Lal Thakkral.
Services provided were blood pressure checks, blood glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as other exams. In addition, there was also a bone marrow registration for those between the ages of 18 and 44. The highlight of the night was Rimi Basu, Indian pop singer, who came on stage to entertain the eager audience. Following her was Apurva Shah, versatile singer and performer from India. Once both of them completed their individual sets, the duo sang together bringing the event to close.
To kick start the event, attendees witnessed a Rath Yatra, a reenactment of the chariot in which Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman returned home after exile. Once the chariot reached the stage, the cultural program began. There were a variety of dances. One of the many performances was a Ganesh Vandana which depicted the 32 forms of Ganesha. In addition there was also a dance by a little girl who remixed songs from Bollywood and Hollywood to create an adorable mash-up.
Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo; Mayor Pro Tem, Ali Sajjad Taj; and other City of Artesia Council members came on stage to perform a lamp lighting ceremony. Manalo said a few words wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. He also briefly recounted the story of Diwali and what it means to Indians. Many who attended took advantage of the free health fair medical camp which was organized by Ishwar Deedwania, Dr. Nitin Shah, Naranjan Bhatt and Lal Thakkral.
Services provided were blood pressure checks, blood glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as other exams. In addition, there was also a bone marrow registration for those between the ages of 18 and 44. The highlight of the night was Rimi Basu, Indian pop singer, who came on stage to entertain the eager audience. Following her was Apurva Shah, versatile singer and performer from India. Once both of them completed their individual sets, the duo sang together bringing the event to close.
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