ST LOUIS: The Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis, MO., set up in 1984 with the aim of preserving Gujarati culture in the community, celebrated Spring Festival with great bonhomie at the Mahatma Gandhi Center on Saturday April 4, which also happened to be Hanuman Jayanti day
The four-hour program started with light Gujarati food provided by board members and the Youth Club members. More than 400 people attended the celebration.
The cultural program commenced with the singing of American and Indian national anthems. It was followed by a prayer and Hanuman Chalisa. Jitendra Prabhu, president of Gujarati Samaj, welcomed the gathering.
Main highlights consisted of 26 different items performed by members, children, juniors and seniors, who dressed up in different costumes pertaining to spring. They represented the culture of all parts of Gujarat. The program was filled with folk dances, Gujarati Raas, Bollywood songs, classical songs, Bollywood remix songs, comic skits and drama.
The purpose of the program was to encourage large participation, celebrate the spring festival and to provide a platform for Gujaratis to mingle with each other and also with those from other ethnic communities.
End of last year Gujarati Samaj members and Hindu Temple of St. Louis members made history by signing an agreement that would not only keep the torch of culture burning but grow even brighter in the future. On that day, the Samaj presented a check of $250,000 to the Hindu Temple to begin construction of the new building adjacent to the temple. The documents reflecting the good faith of both the parties and for a bright future to next few generations.
The 2015 Board of Directors are – President: Jitendra Prabhu, Vice President: Mahendra R.Patel, Secretary: Mahendra Patel, Treasurer: Jayesh Desai, Members: Tejas Bhakta, Nilesh Patel, Chirag Shah, Dharmendra Patel and Jayesh.
Ashwin Patel
