Diwali Celebrated at the Centennial Olympic Park
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), organizers of the Hindu Unity Day event, could not have chosen a more auspicious occasion than Diwali. Cold weather could not deter the more than 750 Hindu Americans who joined in the celebration at the historical Centennial Park, on Sunday, November 5, 2006.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The event was enthusiastically supported by several Greater Atlanta temples, private businesses and Hindu organizations in the spirit and effort to bring together Hindus from all around Atlanta.
For more than five hours, the Centennial Park vibrated with live Indian music, dance and instruments showcasing the extent of local talent in the Atlanta community. The program started with prayer to Lord Ganesha, by the children of VHPA Bal Vihar. DJ Bally and his group provided quality sound system. The audience was entertained by several singers from Tarang Music School of Art and Music, run by Mr. Gopi. Songs in eleven Indian languages were performed by individuals and groups. Young school children performed classical Indian dances as well as played musical instruments. The Bhangra dance performed by students from Emory was refreshing. The Emcees, Ashok and Nimita of Andaz Group kept the audience engaged.
Of course, no Diwali celebration is complete without the mouth-watering sumptuous food. The luncheon menu was elaborate with hot food and several different types of sweets, compliments of VHPA, ISKCON, Hindu Temple of Atlanta, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and other Hindu organizations.���
Mrs. Sneha Mehta, President of Atlanta VHP Chapter, thanked all sponsors and participants. "The next Hindu Unity day will have to be celebrated at an even larger scale", she said. She reminded the audience, that it is necessary for all Hindus to unite and preserve their ancient culture and traditions in a multi-cultural society like America. She added that the Indian American community has exemplified in maintaining its rich Indian heritage and also in assimilating into America.
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