India House Mela in the Sun Draws Wide Audience
By Jawahar Malhotra
Last updated: June 12, 2009

HOUSTON: It was a carnival in the true Indian sense of the word: plenty of music, food, games, booths and hot in the blazing Sun. For those who braved the heat of the Mela at the India House grounds on West Bellfort this past Saturday, June 6, the absolutely free festival was a chance to slip into the embrace of the Old Country and while away an afternoon together under a shady tent.

The first ever Mela was organized by the India House Board of Directors as a way to herald the facility’s presence to the Greater Houston community, but especially those who live around the area. The Mela offered free admission, parking, rides and entertainment as well as a raffle draw to win HEB Shopping Cards every hour. Nearly 1,200 people came through the gates from 11am till 7pm.

“It is hoped that this will mark the start of an annual Mela that will highlight the Indian communi ty’s presence in the area and Houston as a whole,” said Mela Committee Chair Sam Merchant who seemed to be everywhere that afternoon, even as he sweated in the afternoon sun.

Spread over the 8 acres of vacant field that adjoins the main India House building, the Mela included a petting zoo, camel rides, a 20 foot tall rock wall, booths with games for all ages, face painting, medical and dental clinics, a Will-A-Thon offering free will consultation and notarization by attorneys, stage shows, music, food booths and other service and merchant booths.

There was even a chance to play a spot of cricket on the pitch in the middle of the field and a train on wheels ferried people around the immense area. The Houston Police department even had a squad car and a Police helicopter that people could sit in and admire.

In an effort to involve all communities – there were many Hispanic, Anglo and African-Americans who attended the Mela – the stage and music shows featured Latin music and performers, Hawaiian hula dances, a Mariachi band, swing and salsa dances, a Bhangra dhol number as well as other Indian performances by local groups and individuals. The stage show was emceed by Niranjan Kumar.

In the afternoon, US Congressman Al Green stopped by to express his solidarity with Indo-Americans and show his appreciation for organizing the event. Also in attendance was newly elected Missouri City Councilman Robin Elackatt, an Indo-American, along with his family.

The Event committee was chaired by Sam Merchant and included subcommittee chairs, Yolanda Benoit (Information), Naz Sarkari (Cultural), Niranjan Kumar (Publicity and Sponsors), Arif Memon (Facilities), Krishna Lattupally (Booths), Ramesh Cherivirala (Volunteers) and Devesh Pathak (Finance). A large number of volunteers made the event possible as well as special efforts by Chad Patel and Bala Tangirala.