India Association of Merrimack Valley (IAMV) celebrated Diwali on Saturday 8th November, 2003 at North Andover Middle School. In keeping with its commitment to support the Indian American children from the Merrimack Valley, the event showcased artistic abilities of youngsters from the area.

“During the past eighteen months, IAMV has organized successfully Holi and Diwali programs at the North Andover Middle School. The Indian community and friends came out in large numbers to celebrate these festivals together and enjoy the cultural programs presented by our young talented children. The executive committee has worked hard to provide for you an excellent program for tonight that should appeal to all of your senses with taste and aroma, rhythm and sound, color and costumes “ said Dr. Hargovind Rathore, the Chairman of the board.

The program was inaugurated with “Diwali Puja” which included the singing of Ganesh and Lakshmi Aarti. The cultural program that followed was coordinated by Sunita Malhotra and Vibash Desai. The well coordinated variety show included classical music and several dance presentations set to Bollywood tunes. The master of ceremonies Rohit Malhotra and Priyanka Srinivasan looked very attractive in their well-coordinated attire and conducted the event with aplomb.

The Sher-O’Shayari presentations by Sunita Malhotra was very well received by the audience. Young Esha Jain and Sonal Jain danced to a song by Richa Sharma. Arya and Diya Anand, ISha Gupta, Pooja Techandani, Prenka Thakuria, Rhea Dudani and Tanya Singh attired in stunning costumes recreated a few cool Bollywood moves. Shefali Lohia, Devika Dhawan and Ananya Sengupta danced to the beat of music from Pukar. A tabla presentation by Rohan and Rajit Malhotra followed. Ishita Agarwal, Mithali Shenoi and Shweta Agrawal dance to a medley of tunes. A beautiful presentation to the tunes of Sathiya by Shweta Garg, Nidhi Garg and Hetal Desai was the highpoint of the show. Anita Gohel, Piyal Sengupta, Kitan Dhawan, Aishik Lala, Chiraag Gohel, Devam Dhwan, Neel Shroff, Prakim Upadhyay, Prashati Upadhyaya, Sanya Gupta, Shami Seth, Shreya Seth and Anusha Sengupta dance to the ever popular “Say Shava Shava” from KKKG. The program ended with some songs by Kirit Patel and a “United Color of India” presentation by Ritik Ray, Arushi Ray, Megha Aggrawal and Renuka Bharatula. Everyone who participated was given a trophy.

Dinner and dancing brought a festive spirit to the event. A warm and welcoming atmosphere, characteristic of Diwali in India was present. The committee deserves congratulations for presenting a well organized event that brought the festival of lights to Merrimack Valley.

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