First ever Himachal Day in USA was held at Milpitas (California) on June 14, celebrating rich culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh state of India.
It brought few hundred Himachalis and friends of Himachal Pradesh together at India Community Center (ICC) to enjoy Himachali dances, culinary delicacies, music, folk fashions, displays, etc. ICC has dedicated June as "Himachal Month" and is holding displays of Himachali crafts, paintings, pictures, etc., showcasing its cultural heritage.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed was honored on the occasion and was presented with a Distinguished Citizen Award (in recognition of Outstanding Community Leadership, Service and his pioneering efforts in creating World Wide Hindu Identity and fostering Interfaith Dialogue), a Himachali shawl and a Himachali topi, handed over by Vice Mayor of City of Cupertino Kris Wang. Zed has taken up Hindu, interfaith, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He read the groundbreaking first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC. He has been bestowed with "World Interfaith Leader Award".
Coordinating committee, which organized this colorful event, included community leaders Mahesh Nihalani, Asha Stokes Sharma, Colonel Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Meena Patyal, Sudha Stokes Puar, etc., who collaborated with "My Himachal" of Philadelphia. Organizers plan to hold it every April. Ash Kalra, Councilmember of City of San Jose; Sandra James, former Mayor of City of Cupertino; and Steven Ting, President of Rotary Club of Cupertino; also attended.
Event included Himachal Group Song lead by Kanta Sud, "An American in Gandhi's India" book introduction by Asha Stokes Sharma, Gaddi Folk Dance by Uma Chitlapatti and others, Chamba Folk Songs by Yamini Mitter, Lahal & Spiti folk dance by Sumaswara and others, Himachali Duet Song by Kanta and Sushma Sud, Himachali Costume Display and Dance by children, Himachali Song by Yamini, Natti Folk Dance lead by Neelam Madaik, etc.
Lunch comprised of specialty Himachali dishes pachole, palak diyan wadiyaan, tilwale aloo, rajmah da madhra, posti babroo, pahari khichadi, and kesari chwal prepared under the direction of chef R. Rohit Singh.Patricia Proctor, who traveled all the way from rural Nevada with her family to attend Himachal Day, described the whole experience as "wonderful".
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By : News Team
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