MILIPITAS, CA: A colorful ‘Himachal Day’ was held for the second time at the India Community Center (ICC), Milipitas in Silicon Valley, California on Sunday, April 14 to mark the 66th Foundation Day of the North Indian State, nestled amongst the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas.
Rajan Zed, who read the first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC, and who also hails from Himachal, was the Guest of Honor. He traveled all the way from Reno to be part of the function. He recited a special opening prayer to start off the celebrations and said that it was events like these that brought communities together and he was so happy to be a part of it.
Setting the tone for the day, Jose Esteves, Mayor of Milpitas, Chief Guest for the occasion, said, “You all should be proud of your roots and it is very good to see all the Himachal people coming together here at India Community Center, Milpitas.”
Being an occasion to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan state, many people of all communities, several elected dignitaries and family friends celebrated the event with natives of Himachal who are either settled in or are working in the Bay Area.
“I learn a lot about my home country when I come to events like this,” said Ash Kalra, a council member of San Jose. “Himachal Pradesh remains on the top of the list of places I want to visit in India .It is very important for people living far from their homeland to feel connected.”
Mahesh Nihalani, one of the co-chairs of the event said, “I am from Shimla and feel proud to be one of the Himachalis who conceived and started ‘Himachal Day’ in 2009, to bring our Himachali community together and celebrate and share our rich culture and heritage with the people here in the USA. I want this to be an annual event. We would also like to thank ICC for providing us the facility and all their help and support, to organize this State day.”
Over a recorded telecast, specially arranged for the occasion by Gokul Butail, who was in Himachal at the time, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed himself thus: “You all are thousands of miles away but not apart from our hearts. I express my best wishes to you all and I am very happy that you are retaining your roots still even though living far away from your state.”
Reminding the gathering the need for improving basic amenities in Himachal, the Chief Minister emphasized on the need for healthy linkages between the state and its people globally, to come together to make such developments happen.
Anand K Jha, Consul, Consulate General of India, San Francisco, who was present on the occasion, said, “This is a beautiful platform to showcase the potential of Himachal Pradesh.”
“The décor, complete with brass lamps and candles, and motifs from Himachal, painstakingly worked by two very talented Himachali ladies, Pranav Sood and Rashmi Bisht, was much appreciated,” said Meena Patyal, co-chair of the event.
To present the native touch, artifacts of Himachal specially the famous hand woven woollen Kullu shawls and caps were on display and sale in the entrance lobby. The famous miniature Kangra paintings (of Radha Krishna folklore) now being revived by the ‘Kangra Arts Promotion Society’ were on display and all of them were sold off.
The colorful day event was packed with many dance and musical performances that brought the old and young together to celebrate the nostalgia of a hill culture in an alien land. More than 300 people came to enjoy Himachali music, dances and culinary delicacies.
Asha Sharma, also a co-chair of the event and author of ‘An American in Khadi’ – a biography of her grandfather Satyanand (Samuel Evans) Stokes, said on the occassion, “I am extremely happy that today we are celebrating our 2nd Himachal Day in the Bay area. For me celebrating Himachal Day at ICC has been a dream come true and it would be nice to celebrate it every year. Apart from the fun, it will help people from the state to get better connected.
The effort taken to provide Himachali cuisine paid off. “It reminded us of the Dhams we have enjoyed back home several times,” said Kiran Guleria, an organizer of the event.
The Himachali cuisine was specially prepared by Chefs of Amber Restaurant and was liked by everyone. “After living here for so many years, it feels great to showcase our rich culture and connect with the local Himachal community,” said Kanta Sud, also an organizer.
India Post News Service
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