FREMONT, CA: Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the heart of the Western Himalayas in India, known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ – Abode of the gods – is renowned for its majestic snow capped mountain ranges, glorious traditions, beautiful people, colorful costumes and culture.
The India Community Center will be hosting April 14 as Himachal day. This is part of a series, State month and State Day, that the India Community Center (ICC) has been hosting for various States of India as its goal of celebrating diverse cultures.
The local Bay area people from Himachal have come together to organize these festivities.
“Himachal day will be a window to Himachal Pradesh for all the people of the Bay area. It will give them a chance to have a glimpse of the very unique and little known culture of Himachal, preserved for centuries in the shadow of our majestic and beautiful snow capped mountains,” says Asha Sharma, who is a long time Bay area resident and grand daughter of American missionary Samuel Stokes who came to India in 1904 and settled down in Himachal.
“Besides showcasing our rich heritage and distinct cultural identity, this event will also provide a platform for the people from Himachal in the USA to come together as a community. This is our second Himachal Day celebration and it is a Family Fun Day for all,” says Mahesh Nihalani, who was born and brought up in Himachal.
On Sunday April 14 there will be cultural activities from 10.30am to 2.00 pm. This will be a free and open to all public event. It will include a presentation on Himachal followed by lunch featuring authentic Himachali cuisine, being specially prepared by Amber. There will be cultural dances and music performances and various other activities. There will be information on Himachal including tourism, display of handicrafts and shawls and Kulu caps from Himachal will be on sale.
India Post News Service