The Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB) held their annual Diwali festivity gathering on Sunday, Oct 1, 2023 at the Burlington Commons, Burlington MA.  This unique celebration has become a much anticipated event where people from Burlington and the neighboring towns come to take part in the mela. The gazebo is decorated like an Indian home is during Diwali. For many non Indian people in Burlington, it becomes a way to travel to India without leaving home. 

Treasury, the popular Indian restaurant in Burlington had a food stall where people could taste Indian food. Activity stalls for children that included a variety of games made it a great afternoon for children. The small cemented area near the gazebo was decorated with Rangoli and a cultural showcase was held at that spot. Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Bollywood presentations were showcased featuring local dance schools. 

IAB honored organizations including Hindi Manch, NEMM, TMM, IAGB and FISCO for their contributions to the community. The town of Burlington was offered a plaque of appreciation for their support of the Indian community in Burlington. Several town council members, State Rep Ken Gordon, assistant superintendent of schools Dr. Lisa Chen and others attended the event. 

The highlight of the event is the tree lighting. The lights are symbolic that Diwali may come a little early to Burlington but it surely shines bright.

President Deepa Agrawal, and the IAB team including Smita Kapadia, Atul Bhammar, Amrit Soni, Shweta Mathur, Vaidehi Pathak, Menka Jethra, Vasantha Kannan and Shilpa Patangay deserve great kudos for putting together a wonderful event.