KAY PATEL reports from a North Shore Deepavali celebration
The Deepavali Milan at the Hornsby RSL Club on the North Shore marked the start of the multicultural, community event for Deepavali – the Festival of Lights.
Guests in their festive attire were welcomed to a shimmering and brightly decorated hall with a rangoli display at the entrance where most stopped to take pictures with their families and friends.
The evening began with the Aarti and prayers recited by children and Lt Col (Retd) Virander Sahni who, together with his wife, Mrs Kamini Sahni, had initiated the whole event for 2015, along with their troop of helpers – Deepa, Niti, Veenu, Deepti, Shibani, Ananya, Vikram and Dhruv.
Once the prayers were concluded, the evening’s MCs Nitin Madan and Divya Dhingra commenced the cultural program by introducing the spectacular first dance by Monsuun Dance Group performed by Pradnya Dugal and her partner Mamta.
This was followed by a dance by Sanskriti Dance Group choreographed by Deepa Arora involving children as well as herself and the ladies. Young mothers spared time out of their busy schedules to prepare a masterpiece routine as a tribute to their families on the occasion of Deepavali.
Then came dances by Zamar Dance Group and the Sydney Punjabi Group Children, as well as Sana and Sasha Madan representing the Hindi School at Thornleigh and a finale dance by Deepa Arora which concluded the much applauded cultural program.
Mrs India Universe (Courage) 2015, Enu Narulaa, was interviewed on stage by 8-year-old Sienna about her life experiences and how she was able to balance her domestic life, work and her own passions.
Enu Narulaa participated in the Mrs Universe 2015 competition representing India, which was held in Minsk earlier this year, and bagged the Mrs India Universe Courage title from among 60 other participants from all over the globe.
A Women’s Pageant was organised by Enu and Deepti Sachdeva to emphasise internal beauty and the values of being a strong woman.
All participants were bestowed with titles such as Mrs Courteous, Mrs Polite, Mrs Humble, and were crowned by Hornsby Counsellor Gurdeep Singh.
Guests enjoyed a variety of curries with rice and naan over dinner prepared by the club chefs. People were very happy to receive beautiful raffle prizes, three of which had been presented by Indian Link.
Right throughout the evening, guests were mingling and catching up with friends whilst having their photos taken at the photo booth with its unique props, or getting Henna done on their hands.
After a delicious dessert of gulab jamun and kulfi, the DJ and the dance floor were in full swing with the kids dancing on the stage to the latest Bollywood hits.
Guests were treated to some Indian mithai to take home with them after a great evening of socialising, entertainment and food.
The event was a great success! Family-oriented and eco-friendly the organisers achieved their goal of bringing families together and spreading love among everyone present.
