If someone had said that New Delhi is about 7,000 miles from Lexington, MA, they would have been proven wrong on October 30, 2010. The Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) hosted its 2010 Diwali Mela, and all the beauty of Diwali could be felt  at the Lexington High School as if one were standing in Connaught Place in New Delhi. With a knockout crowd of about 500 people, it was sure to leave many people with wonderful Diwali memories.

In India, Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and splendor. Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, or “row of lights”,  is the epitome of  festivals  that can be shared by all.  Memories of Diwali most often focus on eating sumptuous sweets and savories, and sharing the happiness and fun with family and friends. To many, the unforgettable fun of setting off friendly firecrackers to usher in another year of bright light comes to the forefront of memories.  In Lexington, MA, would it mean the very same?

The Lexington version of law-abiding firecrackers were the numerous children and adults that performed elaborate items during the cultural program organized by Anuradha Saxena. Numbers moved between traditional Bharatanatyam pieces, to catchy Bhangra folk dances. Some people sang popular Bollywood Hindi songs, while others performed group renderings of folk songs.  The audience was quick to appreciate each number by clapping to beats, or singing along. Each performer could feel the encouragement and excitement of the evening.  What seemed admirable was the number of older students who assisted younger students with their performances. The feeling of community was exemplified by the children who happily stepped forward to see the program through to its success.

Few would have recognized the Lexington High School commons II area and the auditorium. Archana Singhal with help from others worked to decorate the main entrance to make it feel as if guests were stepping into the bright colors of Diwali. The auditorium and stage were beautifully done up, with statuesque tall lamps, and beautiful images displayed via projection.

No Indian function can be considered complete without excellent food as a complement.  Guests and arriving performers were greeted with the wonderful aroma of freshly made samosas, chaat, kebabs and hot masala chai. Following the cultural program, a sumptuous dinner  catered by Amrik Pabla’s one world cuisine included a variety of items and rich sweets enhancing the already vibrant mood of the evening.   Meena Kothandaraman, the emcee for the evening graciously kept the stage alive with energy and enthusiasm.

One of  IAL's mission each year is to make a donation to a local charity during the mela. IAL chair, Mr. Puran Dang, presented a $1000 donation to FISH on behalf of IAL steering committee members Sudha Balasuryan, Geeta Kannan, Archana Singhal,  Nirmala Garimella and Anuradha Saxena.  FISH, a volunteer-based organization, helps elderly Lexington residents to medical appointments. The donation was received by FISH Vice President,  Mr. David Wells, who excitedly shared the evening to be his 16^th anniversary of his trip to India during Diwali. To be amongst the fun all over again 16 years later was something he would have never dreamed happening.  Mr. Wells statement only further emphasized that this celebration was truly for all Lexington residents

All in all, the entire festival was a tremendous success. For those who say New Delhi is 7,000 miles away – one had to feel the heartbeat of Diwali 2010 to prove that wrong.

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