Deepavali Milan’s Tenth Anniversary Dedicated to War Widows

By Manju Mittal

The annual event ”˜Deepawali Milan’ was sold out a week prior and attended by large number of people. Diwali event was held at the Hornsby RSL on Saturday November 3, 2018. Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals amongst Indians. Diwali means ”˜Row of Lights’ and lighting fireworks in a way to express our joy. The purpose of illuminating homes, lighting candles, lamps is to ”˜Glorify the divine light of God’.

Diwali event attracted people of different communities and ethnicity who participated quite excited by the night that unfolded entertainment and food extravaganza thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. Among the guests present were the Hon.Julian Lesser MP, Consul General of India Mr. B. Vanlavawna, Counsellor Gurdeep Singh and community members. Julian Leeser MP gave an inspiring speech in Hindi and English. He spoke about the Diwali festival and richness of Indian culture and congratulated Lt Retd. Virander Sahni and Kamini Sahni on holding a Diwali function.

The guests were adorned with traditional welcome tikka on their forehead upon their arrival.  Passionate emcee Nitin Madan welcomed the guests and the event started with Arti, followed by dance performance by Sheila Nair and Anitha Gopi, they stunned the audience with their amazing dance moves.

The entertainment segment involved performers and art forms from every part of India including classical, traditional folk and Bollywood performances. Performances from the colourful 7flavours Rickie’s dancers filled the atmosphere in a celebratory mood. It was a night full of Dhol sounds that enthralled one and all.

Melody dance performance by Saanvi, Saachi, Samemi, Avani and Ishaan and young solo song by Tanaya, Sree Krishna Sthuthi- Kuzhaloodhy Manamellam by Pramitha and Radha dance by Riya Sidhu got a big thumping applause from the audience.  Activities for children, a photo booth, Mehndi stall, rangoli by Rani, raffle tickets and DJ dance Masti kept the audiences on their feet until the start of the entertainment program.

This year five volunteers worked together namely Capt Subhash Grover, Punam Wahan, Sushma Segal, Poornima Menon, Shirley Jacob and Nitisha Grover to organise this successful event.

The event organiser and initiative of ”˜Deepawali Milan’ Kamini Sahni, where she acknowledged the guests and thanked the volunteers and said  “This year our ”˜Deepawali Milan’ is dedicated to war widows and supported two great causes and I am pleased with all proceeds going to the Dementia patients to Asha and War Widows in India. Diwali is all about spending time with loved ones, so we wanted to create an event from the young to the old, people to come out and spend this evening with their families and friends and celebrate Diwali like we do back home.”

Diwali is celebrated in the same festive spirit in Australia as it is in India. The event was well organised by Kamini Sahni and Lt Col Retd. Virander Sahni. Deepawali Milan celebration is always a party that is eagerly looked forward to by Sydneysiders. It was a remarkable event with smiles on everyone’s face.

 

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