Indian Festival of Lights- Spectacular Diwali Mela 2009 -Atlanta Dunia -

Indian Festival of Lights- Spectacular Diwali Mela 2009
by Amitabh Sharma

When over 10,000 people show up at an event which has carefully planned activities and a well orchestrated tightly knit program, it goes to prove the finesse of the concept, the imaginative format and its meticulous implementation. “Thank you Greater Atlanta for such an overwhelming response for we exist because you respond so fondly” is what the unassuming dedicated team of Cultures Across Borders humbly proclaimed when asked to comment what inspired them to put up such a magnificent show that appealed to all age groups, ethnicities and brought several cultures into a unique fusion.

Cultures Across Borders repeated their success improving upon their excellent record of 2007 and pulled off a coup surpassing their self-committed threshold with footfall crossing what the founders Apurva Shrivastava, Amitabh Sharma and Sandeep Savla very ably assisted by prime promoter Mani Krishnaswamy had set out to achieve. It does take meticulous planning and more so perfect delivery but it all seemed to have come together when crowds surged in unabated to witness the Free Admission glittering event of the year Indian Festival of Lights- Grand Diwali Mela 2009 at the North Atlanta Trade Center on Oct 3 from 12 noon to 2 am (next day).

The reception area had young smiling volunteers greeting visitors with traditional Tilak (Chandan) and fascinating tri-colored “Celebrate India” lapel pins (made by youth volunteers). Everyone was filled with pride and joy as the stage was set for a mammoth event. The entrance to the event made a bold statement with exhibition on Holocaust museum followed by a Ram Mandir. A very vibrant and colorful floral painting “rangoli” with diyas and flowers prompted cameras to click instantly and almost everyone shot pictures.

As one moved along, kids were overjoyed with clowns doing face painting, balloon figures. Clay art was next fun activity for kids where kids made diyas for Diwali . A few steps forward opened up a big shopping lane with bazaar full of goodies. There were clothes, jewelry, henna, massage, a whole slew of tantalizing items to lure all. The pathway then led to the food court serving sumptuous mouth-watering food of international flavor. The multi-ethnic crowd kept coming incessantly and relishing even the information booths that displayed and shared vital financial, real estate, educational, healthcare, internet, mobile and other information. An unprecedented record number of 78 booths including many non- profit organizations, featured their products and services at this hugely successful fair with something of attraction for every visitor.

The event kicked off at 12 noon with Hare Krishna Dhun echoing in the elegantly decorated hall. The huge stage with state of the art music system was filled with color and festoons. The spectacular performances followed one after another - Chinese community presented by Eve Hao , Korean community presented by Kinna Sayanam, Latin community presented by Lupita Sosa, Irish and mainstream American group led by David Richardson (GSMST) and Indian community presented by Kumud Savla, Sunny Molu, Prem & Aadithya of Nritya Natya Kala Bharati. These colorful dances brought glamour and true fusion to life over a 4 hour ensemble of multicultural extravaganza. Some emotional performances prompted spectators to appreciate the presentations with well deserved resounding applause. It all culminated in a never-before witnessed grand finale medley of Vande-mataram and Jai-Ho reverberating the hall while each participant waved India’s flag proudly. This brought tears to some eyes, elicited traumatic emotions in others while few felt completely lost.

5 pm and 8 pm had everyone involuntarily dancing to the Ram-Dhun when a tastefully decorated open cart carried real life Ram-Sita and Laxman in a ceremonial procession. The second one even carted outside the hall where in a symbolic gesture real life Ram aimed a bow and arrow at a 25 ft tall Ravana effigy making it go up in flames and thousands of spectators clapped and rejoiced. The backdrop looked stunning with 9 full size amusement park rides including euro-bungy, ferris wheel, merry-go-round etc. Children also had a ton of fun all day long with real pony and camel rides besides the park rides and games.

The felicitation ceremony between 6.30 and 7 pm took time to commend and honor the four outstanding community champions in the diverse fields of Health care - Mr. A.B. Short, Education - Mr. J Alvin Wilbanks, Science & Technology - Dr. Ajeet Rohtagi and Media - Ms. Sachi Koto.

Soon thereafter, the floor got filled up with Dandia and Garba dancers enjoying the rhythm of a live band “Rangat” (the icing on the cake) especially flown from India. This band also regaled everyone playing to their full potential and singing all along the Ram-Barat ceremonial procession route.

The curtains were not down until 1.00 am while dancers kept insisting for more and commenting "they have always missed this sort of open, free mela in past years and would love to have it every year…..it surpasses the best of the best anywhere in the world….it was packed with excitement right from the word go and we could not leave yearning for it to simply continue."

“If people endorse this so eloquently, it makes sense to organize each year and take it to yet another height year after year", founders who have their eyes set on charity services in healthcare and education, readily agreed.

Sewa International led by Rakesh Pathak, Gaurav Verma and others, Ravan making team led by Anil and Sandhya Bhagat accompanied by Vamshi Krishna, Ramesh Nallapu and Bhargav Gundabolu, Rajan Sharma, Ashok Goyal, Anurag Gaur, Akanksha, Rima, Madhu Kumar, Gary, Premchand, High school children (youth involvement is a major focus area for Cultures Across Borders), and several other young, old devoted volunteers played key roles in the event’s success. Everyone one of them had worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had his or her share of happiness, fun and joy. Surely it was an event that will leave an indelible and enduring imprint in the minds and memories of each of the visitors.