AIA Dussera Diwali Dhamaka (DDD) Grand Success !!!
Association of Indo American’s (AIA) and Bolly 92.3 presented “Dussehra & Diwali Dhamaka” – (DDD), an annual event to celebrate Dussehra and Diwali festivals. It is a unique outdoor festival, first of its kind and was supported by over 35 Indian organizations in Bay Area. With over 25,000 attendees, the event was refreshingly endearing, visually stunning and entertaining. This event highlighted multiple facets of two of the largest, most widely celebrated festivals.
This mega event was presented by Sanjiv Gupta CPA (Sponsored Fireworks) , Grand sponsor for the event was Dr. Prakash Advani Family Dentistry (Sponsored Ravan Dahan) , Platinum sponsors include OnshoreKare.com insurance (Sponsored Rath Yatra) ,Neeraa’ji from Sampurna Vastu (Maha Mangal Arti) and event’s travel parter was “TraveloPod”. Other sponsors include Azad Aramandla (Financial advisor), Srini Goli (Realtor – Keller Williams) & ICICI Bank.
Part of the event, there were daylong activities combined with dance competitions, Diya making, Rangoli, flash mob, DJ Junction, Ravan Dahan, and Fireworks. While Bollywood foot stomping numbers and nostalgic classical dancing of all forms was entertaining the audience on the main stage, a separate stage featuring live bands (IndoStrings, Saazish & Melody makers) & BATA Karaoke team singers presented super hit fast beat & melody songs.
There was a huge support and compliments from many of the elected officials and dignitaries who have attended the event and they conveyed their Dussehra / Diwali greeting.
India Consul General Ambassador Sanjay Panda, Assembly member Ash Kalra, Santa Clara county Sheriff Laurie Smith, Santa Clara county Supervisor Dave Cortese, Fremont Vice Mayor Raj Salwan, District officer Swapanthi Mandalika from US Congressman Ro Khanna’s office, District officer Anurag Pal from Assembly member Kansen Chu & District officer Eric Crouch from Assembly member Evan Low office and many other dignitaries have attended the event, and conveyed their greetings to the guests at the event. The dignitaries have also presented their respective office proclamations.
AIA commendation awards were given to Rishik Gandhasri (Spelling bee Champion), Anugraha Pillai (US Figure Skating Champion) & Vincent Varkey (for exhibiting courage & patriotism )
Some of the dignitaries were led to the area of the golden chariot where they initiated the ‘Rath Yatra’ with chariot containing goddess Lakshmi. With excited chants from many devotees, people were able to pull the chariot through the length of the expo hall in a parade format. As the Rath came to a halt in front of the powerful goddess whose mandir was carefully and beautifully decorated to recreate a temple, the priest started auspicious chants and continued to present Aarti. Aarti platters were distributed throughout the crowd & delicious laddu prasad were sponsored by New India Bazaar.
Desi Food Festival which brought various delicacies with unique presentation under one roof Chaatbhavan, Mantra, Bombay to Goa, Mangoes Indian Cuisine, Momo’s Kitchen, Urban Spice, Red Chillies, Sri's Kitchen, Chitti Gare, Peacock Dublin & California Ice Cream. catered the food for the event. What’s a desi mela without shopping and this event provided ample opportunities for the same. Over 60 vendors displayed booths spanning clothing, jewelry, mehndi, real estate, after schools, IT training & health services.
The Pavilion center was bursting at the seams by 6:30 pm with excited patrons were torn between watching the sensually binding fashion show by Urban Panache, flash mob by NKD Arts, dance extravaganza by Amit & Hiren , Jaya Sharma and In sync, spectacular RamLeela by Nrityanjali group. Melodious songs presented by talented singers from BATA karaoke group, live bands. In Parallel people attended the spiritually jubilant Maha Mangal Aarthi, Rath Yatra, visiting the vendor booths with attractive unique merchandise, or enjoying the rides and entertainment outdoors. Exciting raffle prizes were given by Travelo-Pod (Air ticket to India) & Air Tickets to India and Ipod etc by realtor Srini Goli.
Consul General Sanjay Panda and Assemblymember Ash Kalra have conveyed their Diwali greetings to all the attendees and officially kicked off the count down for Ravan Dahan (the symbolic burning of a large figure of Lord Sri Rama’s enemy, the 10 headed Ravan). It was spectacular & grand. The grand finale “Fireworks” which illuminated the beautiful sky with vibrant colors and formations.
The AIA team was very pleased with the grand success of the event and noted that they were truly touched by the amazing response, seeing more than 25,000 + Indian community members joined this event making it one of the biggest in west coast.
Also, the AIA team thanked all the sponsors for their continued support and all the volunteers for their hard work in making the event a grand success.