Global Mela 2024: A celebration of cultural diversity
Thousands of enthusiastic participants gathered at Global Mall in Norcross on October 12-13 for the highly-anticipated Global Mela, an international cultural festival. This two-day event marked its 23rd anniversary, transforming the mall into a vibrant showcase for Southeast Asian cultures and beyond, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience.
[Left] Global Mela 2024 proved to be a fun events for adults and kids alike.
The festivities began on Saturday, October 12, with a grand lamp lighting ceremony attended by local dignitaries, including Norcross Mayor Craig Newton; Honorable Consul General of India, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan; State Senator Shawn Still; and Gwinnett County Chairman candidate, John Sabic. Mayor Newton highlighted the event’s mission, stating, “This celebration is a multi-cultural event. It brings people together across cultural boundaries and inhibitions.”
Consul General Babu acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community in the U.S., while organizer Shiv Aggarwal expressed gratitude to the media, vendors, and the Global Mela team, including Lynn Rich and Aarti Aggarwal, for their tireless efforts. The ceremony featured captivating dance performances by students from the Nritya Natya Kala Bharti Academy, choreographed by founder Kumud Savla.
Global Mela 2024 offered a platform for cultural celebration and connection, showcasing mesmerizing performances, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant artisan market. The Global Bazaar featured 30 artisans and retailers presenting unique handcrafted items for the Diwali season, clothing, jewelry, and art, making it a perfect destination for shoppers looking for authentic souvenirs. With incredible sales in honor of the Diwali season, the event was aptly dubbed “Black Friday for South Asian shoppers.” Along with the Global Bazaar, service-oriented vendors participated in the weekend marketing their businesses.
The festival promoted community engagement, as local non-profits and businesses united to celebrate diversity. Attendees enjoyed Bollywood beats, with DJ Bobby from XtraHotDJs keeping the energy high throughout the weekend. Performances included talented dancers from Global Mall’s resident schools, Nritya Natya Kala Bharti and Prem Dance Academy, as well as individual artists like Damali Bachhus and Ashna Joshi.
[Right] Global Mela saw dignitaries attending the cultural event.
Children had a blast in inflatable bounce houses and enjoyed treats like free popcorn and cotton candy. The magic show captivated over 160 kids, who also received party favor bags and participated in a special raffle. They got to try their hand at creating tie-dye shirts and getting their face painted.
Throughout the event, over 150 attendees won exciting raffle gifts from all of the Global Mall tenants and weekend vendors, including a silver coin from Paarasmani and two 65” Hisense Smart TVs, generously provided by the Global Mall family.
“We are thrilled to have hosted Global Mela 2024 and to witness the incredible response from the community,” said event organizer Shiv Aggarwal. “This year’s festival highlighted the importance of cultural diversity in fostering unity and building connections while celebrating the magic of Diwali.”
As the sun set on October 13th, Global Mela 2024 concluded, leaving a rich legacy of cultural exchange and appreciation. Plans are already in motion for an even more spectacular Global Mela in 2025, promising to elevate the experience for attendees as they celebrate 25 years of Global Mall next year.
— Aarti Aggarwal
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