It is the sweetest Diwali hug by Sydney

A Diwali Milan 1

By Manju Mittal

The Festival of lights Diwali arrived at the Hornsby RSL on Saturday (Chhoti Diwali ”“ Little Diwali) October 29, 2016, the day before actual Diwali festival Indians enjoy all over the world including India. The annual event ”˜Diwali Milan’ was sold out a week prior and brought people of different communities and ethnicity, to a celebration of Diwali. The event celebrates a family event but is unique in the sense that it focusses on children. They are as young as three year old to the teens. Organiser Kamini Sahni says, “We must pass on these age old traditions to our coming generations how else would they know the spirit of celebration of a festival such as Diwali if we do not make them experience it. Moreover the message of Diwali is such a beautiful message that ”˜good always wins over evil’. The kids of today ought to know the values this festival portrays, it becomes much  more important  when they  live far from India with their families having  settled here in Australia.”

A Diwali Milan 4

The guests on the night were adorned with traditional welcome tikka on their forehead upon their arrival.  Emcee of the evening young charming Sanghmitra and well known Radio Sur Sangam host Nitin Madan as the event started with Arti, followed by Namita’s speech (PKS Foundation) and presentation by young Nikhlesh about his project in India. The cultural program commenced with presentation of a video on kids expressing their Diwali wishes. A well-directed Diwali skit was performed by young kids followed by Sydney’s well known dancer Deepa Arora’s dance performance, she stunned the audience with her amazing dance moves.

A Diwali Milan 2

The entertainment segment involved performers and art forms from every part of India including classical, traditional folk and Bollywood performances.  Mystik dance group got a big applause from the audienceand soon they were on their feet too including many young children. Activities for children, a photo booth, Mehndi stall, rangoli, raffle tickets and DJ dance Masti kept the audiences on their feet until the start of the entertainment program.

A Diwali Milan 3

This year five as coordinators worked together anmely Niti Bajaj, Dr Shibani Sahni, Punam Wahan, Sushma Segal and Dr Anupriya Singh to organise this successful event.

Highlight of the night was Men’s fashion show the participants were Mark Kaushal, Vikram Arora, Nirav Mistry, Pankaj Patel, Nitin Madan, Robin Wahan, Bobby Segal and Anurag Sharma. Julian Leeser MP along with Counsellor Gurdeep Singh gave away gifts and certificates to the participants. Julian Leeser MP gave an inspiring speech in Hindi and English.

The event, under the skilful guidance of Kamini Sahni and Lt Retd. Virander Sahni was supported by Art Karat, Tulli Jewellers, Radio Sur Sangam and The Indian Down Under. Passionate MC’s Nitin Madan and Sanghmitra were superb as they engaged the audience quite capably. Everyone went home happy and smiling looking forward to the actual Diwali, ”˜Diwali Milan’ having set the mood for a joyous day the next day.

Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=7867