On January 26, 2014, Shri Dwarkamai Vidyapeeth (Sai Temple Billerica) celebrated India’s Republic Day with a cultural program showcasing the diversity of music and dance from India. The program was conducted at Shri Dwarkamai’s Billerica location at 267 Boston Road, Suites9-10, Billerica, MA from 10 AM to 12 noon in the morning.

The program started with a group prayer to Lord Ganesha to let the program happen smoothly. This was followed by a BharatNatyam presentation called Ganesh Kautuvum to invoke the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. There were individual and group performances by the talented kids in the community. It was very heartwarming to see kids as young as 4 year come out and perform graciously in front of an appreciating audience.

Children danced to devotional songs like ‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’ and patriotic and inspirational songs like ‘Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon’ and ‘I love my India’ which was very cute. Bollywood Dance Academy presented Jai Ho, Chennai Express and Chak Dhoom Dhoom which had everyone tapping their feet and clapping. There were also other performances such as two girls playing music on the Guitar and one three year old girl who sang Hindustani classical music. There was also a three year old boy mimicked Bollywood 70’s actors. WOW. There was also a unique presentation by a family with recitation of Ganesh Atharva Sheersha, Mata Bhajan and the patriotic number ‘Hain Preet Jahan Ki Reet’ rfom Purab aur Paschim.

The program ended with the rendition of American and Indian National Anthems on the Flute while everyone singing in chorus. In conclusion Baba’s Arati was performed at noon and people were served Prasad.

All present were amazed by the talent and energy of the kids which surely made their parents proud. The cultural and historical tradition of our place of origin is nurtured and preserved through these kinds of programs which Dwarkamai regularly takes the initiative to organize on different occasions.

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