On October 29, 2017, Tamil Makkal Mandram- USA ('TMM') celebrated their Diwali Grand Event – Deepavali Thiruvizha 2017, in great style, grandeur and festivities at Littleton High School. True to the promise made last year on Thalai Deepavali, this event too was a huge jam packed success with over 600 attendees who enjoyed the Vazhai Illai Virundhu (Lunch served on Banana Leaf), shopping booths and the massively entertaining musical evening, making it a true Thiruvizha (Festival) atmosphere.

Right from the entrance decorated with beautiful Kolam (rangoli), to the backdrop adorned by lights, flowers and diya (Lamp) cutouts, one could feel the festive spirit. Cheerful, courteous and ever welcoming hosts welcomed the guests at the front desk. Another main attraction of the event was the colorful and very attractive photo booth. The props made by TMM volunteers- TMM Brand firecrackers consisting of Laxmi vedi, flower pots, chakrams and a variety of fireworks, were so real that it brought back memories of how all of us celebrated Deepavali back in India and made it very nostalgic. There was a queue of people to take photos and share it with all. Special thanks to our volunteer photographers who patiently and beautifully captured the precious moments!!!

Everyone loved the sumptuous Vazahai Illai Virundhu - lunch served in a traditional way on Banana leaf. They relished and enjoyed more than 12-15 varieties of mouthwatering dishes served by TMM volunteers and the traditional Vethalai Paaku (Betel leaf and nuts) after. People in colorful, traditional attire enjoyed shopping the various booths for costume jewelry, traditional clothes, henna, decorative artifacts, information and goodies provided by our ever supportive sponsors and vendors.

The highlight of the evening was the "Musical extravaganza" presented by the awesomely talented playback singers and Vijay TV Super singers from Chennai - Mukesh, Rajaganapathy and Soumya supported by TV fame Mellisai Thendral Ganesh Kirupa Orchestra's Ganesh Kirupa, Naveen, Vijay and Ramesh Ramanathan. They teleported the audience into a world of mesmerizing melodious songs, music and pure entertainment. Everyone young and old was spellbound by songs like "Oruvan Oruvan Mudalaali", "On mela oru Kannu" and “Vasantha Mullai" to name a few. Kids could not stop dancing for "Tasakku Tasakku" and "Aaluma Dolamma". There was a standing ovation for numbers like "Senthamizh ThenMozhiyaal" and "Ullathil Nalla Ullam". The entire crowd including the singers rocked the floor on "Where is the party"!!! The singers also thrilled the crowd by singing "Special requests" live from the audience. It was truly an enthralling interactive show and you could see the joy on everyone's face. To add to the variety of entertainment there were dance performances by the local area dance schools. Natraraj Alagappan set the stage on fire with the latest Robo 2.0 dance. Kids from Shaila School of dance also performed on super hit, upbeat medley of Bollywood numbers. The stage lighting, theatrical effects and the acoustics transported everyone to a magical atmosphere.

Tamil Makkal Mandram also used this opportunity to give back to society in the form of donations made to Tamilnadu foundation, United way and Harvard Tamil Chair.

The entire team of Tamil Makkal Mandram, with the Board, Executive committee members, youth volunteers and other volunteers, had put in a lot of efforts to give the community a top notch, entertaining and quality event. All their hard work truly showed in the way they had organized the event. Post events pictures will be uploaded to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Tamilmakkalmandramusa/. Looking forward to their next signature event TMM Pongal Vizhaa!!!

Wish you all a very Happy and prosperous Deepavali!!!

-          Subhashini Raman

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