IANH Diwali 2024

On Sunday, November 10th, 2024, the Indian Association of New Hampshire (IANH) hosted a grand celebration for the Diwali and Navaratri festivals at Nashua High School South. The event, which started at noon and culminated with Garba/Dandiya, brought together the local community in a vibrant fusion of music, dance, food, fashion show and culture.

The event kicked off with warm welcome remarks by IANH President Balaji Radhakrishnan. The stage was then set for the Prajna Prayers and Bhajan, a special performance by children from the Prajna program.

The festival’s rich cultural programming continued with an array of Carnatic vocal performances. Notable performances included Ganesha Pancharatna Stotram and Narayanachutha,  Rara Venu Gopa Bala, Mohanam Varnam Ninnu Kori, devotional Madhava Keshava and a lively rendition of Kurai Ondrum Illai and Kanchagalaayadaakshi Kamakshi. Classical music was also well-represented with a soul-stirring Durga Bhajan, performed by Diotima Bose, and a heartfelt Gazal by Girish Satpute and Ramarao on popular Hindustani Raag based compositions.

The next segment was  classical and non-classical dance, which spanned a range of energetic, colorful, and graceful performances.

This segment began with a vibrant Ganesha Kavuthuvam by students of Neha Parikh. This was followed by a lively Bollywood Dance Medley choreographed by Dilip Pelala. Another crowd favorite was Nagada Sang Dhol, performed by students of Jasmine Shah. The Chidambaram Natesha Kavuthuvam dance by students of Neha Parikh enthralled the audience.

Other remarkable performances included the Sakal Ban, a festive dance celebrating spring, choreographed by Jasmine Shah, and an energizing Bollywood dance performance, Bollywood Dance Disco to Thumka choreographed by Neha Parikh, a dynamic performance by Arya Sassy Trio , a colorful Diwali fusion dance by Lasya Dance, Golden Stars Bollywood Medley choreographed by Preethi Arun, Arya Groove Express by Arya Dance Academy and a high energy performance by the Masala Dancers.

The day also featured incredible performances by invited Guest artists. Ashutosh Patel, an accomplished Operations professional and a die-hard fan of Kishore Kumar gave a soulful rendition of Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe and Sason ki Zarurat.

Bhavana Narain, an SHNU student and a Bharatnatyam dancer performed Ganesha Stuthi with grace and expertise. The performances concluded with a beautiful Indian Fusion Dance performance choreographed by Sonia Dixit and was Maiya Yashoda, a Bollywood dance medley choreographed by Neha Parikh.

Another important highlight of the Diwali festival was the Family Fashion show, which provided a platform for all to walk the ramp and get photos clicked with their loved ones.

To recognize community leaders who have roots to IANH,  we felicitated the newly elected NH State Reps Manoj Chourasia and Santhosh Salvi.  IANH also recognized the contributions of the Youth Group leaders and distributed the Youth Service Awards to Aarna Puvvala, Ishanvi Sharma and Haasini Budeppu.

The event concluded with the most awaited Garba segment that was conducted by DJ Sameer and led by Shikha Vashistha and Priti Shokeen. It was amazing to see participants of all ages unwind, while DJ Sameer played the latest tunes.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, teachers, parents, and attendees for making the IANH Diwali and Garba Festival 2024 a grand success.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors Expedia Cruise and Kaypee Jewelers for their generous support in making this event possible.

Our thanks go out to DJ Sameer and his sound team, Karthik Pathapati of Light Captures Photography for beautifully capturing the event's unforgettable moments, and Aneesha Karody of Tarana Om Creations for the stunning stage and photo booth decorations.

A special mention is due to Chowrastha Eatery of Nashua for their delicious food stall, as well as the many vendors who participated in the Diwali Bazaar, offering everything from Indian clothing and jewelry to community information booths.

As part of continued efforts of the IANH to raise funds towards charitable efforts, the IANH Youth Group members setup a snack table for attendees to purchase snacks.

Without the tireless work of the Executive Members, this event would not have been possible. IANH also recognizes the efforts of the IANH Youth Group and SNHU Students, and community volunteers who helped with front desk and backstage operations throughout the day.

Our sincere gratitude extends to the Nashua High School South custodians, who helped us with decorations and wrapping up the event at the end of the day.

We hope to see you all again at our next event, the Vasant Festival Dance and Music Competitions, scheduled for May 2025.

Stay connected with us through our website, follow us on our Facebook page (IANH Facebook), and join our WhatsApp Community Group to stay updated on future events and activities. For any inquiries, contact exec@ianh.org

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