United India Association celebrated Diwali in 'Mela' style on Nov. 6th at Charles E. Middle school in Newton. This event was attended by over 400 people.
 
There were about 40 vendors at the mela ranging from jewelery, clothing, mehndi, tupperware, accessories, financial advisors, non-profit organizations etc. There were also activities for children including crafts, ring toss, table tennis, ice hockey etc.
 
The program started with 'Diwali Pujan' which comprised of bhajans by Kumkum Dilwali & group and lighting of diyas by young children followed by Aarti. A beautiful dance performance for the pushpanjali by Triveni dance group followed.
 
Next was presentations from non-profit organizations like Ekal Vidyayala, ICC and Om Temple.

"Diwali is a wonderful example of the achievements of the Hindu Community and the great cultural diversity of our country"- said President Neela Gandhi in her speech.
 
After this, the Emcees of the evening - Dr.Seema Arora & Ketan Dave started the multi-variety entertainment program consisting of a cultural program with performances including 'Dhoom Taana & Dyanamite' medley of semi-classical & Western style dances choreographed by Alka Arora, 'Water Dance' fusion of Sivamani drums & AR Rahman music choreographed by Kalpana Balachundhar, 'Taal Remix & Jai Ho' medley choreographed by Alka Arora, 'Fully Faltu' - a fun & energetic dance by children from Arya Dance Academy choreographed by Rupal Patel, 'Divine Love' - a devotional Skit by ISCON,  'Ainway Ainway' a lively  group song by 'Ab Masti Cappela' band composed by Chirantan Neogy, 'Durge Durge' a beautiful Bharatnatyam piece choreographed by Ranjani Saigal, 'Ghazal Bahaar' a tribute to Jagjit Singh by his favorite songs sung by mother & daughter - Amal & Raagini Jawa, 'Naache Saara Parivaar-Mauja Hi Mauja' Bollywood medley performed & choreographed by mother, daughter & son-Seema, Serena & Neil Arora, 'Lex Leher' an upbeat Bollywood medley by Lexington children choreographed by Sumi Manwani, 'Bhangra Boys' energetic Punjabi medley choreographed by Rohanit Singh & Pranit Singh and finale dance by 'BU Chankaar' group - a creative fusion of traditional & modern forms of Indian dances with Western styles choreographed by all team.

This was followed by lovely songs from Shirish Nimgaonkar and Meena Sundaram from Kashish band.

There was a segment of hilarious stand up comedy by well known artist Preetesh Srivastava.

The finale of this very entertaining  program was with a glamorous fashion show from 'Choonri Collections' by Seema Kapoor and 'Aalok Fashions'  by Pushpa Karna.
 
The evening ended with vegetarian Dinner.

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