RIVERSIDE: Children of Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir were keen to perform in the Annual Deepavali Cultural Program held last Sunday at UCR's University Theater.The program began with the lighting of the diyas by Program Chair Suma Hareesh, Usha Agarwal, Sujatha Upadhyayula and Archana Sheth.

The Mandir's three priests, Pandits Shukavak Dasa, Seshacharyulu Samudrala and Vipul Jani recited slokas. Vice-Chairman Akshaya Sheth introduced the speechmakers, Chairman Girdhari Purohit, President Ramesh Upadhyayula and Real Estate Chair Raj Sindher. Surprise guest, Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu spoke and gave a declaration to Mandir President Ramesh Upadhyayula. Festivals Committee Chairperson Suma Hareesh introduced the MCs for the first half, Lakshman Koka and Ragini Iyer.

The MCs asked the children in the audience if they knew the significance of Deepavali. 3 children including Anusha Koka and Swathi Balaji came on stage and delighted the audience with their cute explanations. By the time the program began the 500 seat theater was completely filled and the aisles overflowed.

This year the program items featured a diverse selection of dance items beginning with "Guru Vandana" choreographed by Bhairavi Kumar of Nritodaya Kathak Academy. This slow and graceful Kathak dance starred Anjali Mulchandani, Annika Karody, Divya Mulchandani, Monica Bakshi, Nivedita Kanrar, Praptee Chowdhury, Puja Darji and Sanika Bhave.

A family event, babies, toddlers, children and their parents headed sleepy-eyed for home when the program ended at 11 pm. As the crowds headed for the parking lot many wished each other "Happy Deepavali."