Sixth Annual Baisakhi Mela in Concord

CONCORD: The sixth Annual Spring Diversity Festival (Baisakhi Mela) was organized in Concord by Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, FIA of Northern California under the leadership of Dr. Romesh Japra and presented by South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation and Therapeutic Residential Services Inc. Dr. Harmesh Kumar, Festival Chair along with his team of volunteers, Gagan Singh, Ajit Kaushal, Puran Chand, Anu Dhillon, Mrs. Kashmir Kumar, and Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County's executive team led by Rev. Brain Steinwebber, Rev. Will McGarvey, Father Tom Bonnaci and Dr. Amer Araim worked hard to make the festival a success.

"It is wonderful way to start spring," added Susan Bonilla, Chair of Board of Supervisors for Contra Costa County. "This is the kind of family event that Concord really appreciates."
The mela spearheaded by Dr. Harmesh Kumar, a mental health professional, has continued to grow in reach and influence over its six years. Dozens of local kids performed Bhangra and Bollywood dance numbers, and a tasty langar (free food) of chole puri, jalebis and chai kept the crowd well fed and happy.

This event has blossomed over the years," Laura Hoffmeister, Concord Mayor reported during her visit to the festival. "The Indian Community is very visible here, and its' part of Concord's diversity evolving over time," she added. 'My favorite part of this event is seeing all the little kids dance!". 

Jaspal Singh brought his Bhangra and Giddha teams from San Jose to make the festival more colorful and Punjabi along with Dance Academy of Jay and Neelu of Fremont. Trisha and Alisha, two sisters danced to the new number from recent hit movie "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

Dr. Kumar reported that event was envisioned six years ago to bring all the faiths and ethnic groups together to create harmony in the community. He said the group looks forward to providing meaning to social responsibility by supporting individuals and sponsoring businesses that strive towards improving the quality of life and building bridges within the community, consisting of diverse people with different faiths, cultures and ethnicities.

It is an attempt to bring people together with their families and children and provide them a venue to get to know each others' faith. They get free vegetarian food and free entrance to the festival.

The notable attendees also included California Lt. Governor, John Garamendi, Contra Costa County Board Supervisor Federal Glover, Rev. Will McGarvey, pastor of the Community Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, Calif; Father Thomas P. Bonnacci and Imam Dr. Amer Araim.

We being in United States of America where human rights of all American irrespective of creed, race, religion, nationality and sexual orientation are respected and promoted, there is no better place to celebrate this festival. The universal message for every Sikh (meaning, Seeker of truth) is to live a simple life and work hard and share the harvest of his/her hard work with others.

We at the Festival acknowledge and try to promote nurturing, caring and loving values inherent within all of us. We further strive to protect and preserve the integrity and mutual respect of individuals and organizations we work with by maintaining these principles. We as a and positive contributions they make in making our human race more loving, caring and peaceful.