Gujarat Day Anniversary Celebrated
By Nisha Mirani
HOUSTON: The much awaited “Gurjar Mela”, the grand 53rd Anniversary celebrations of Gujarat State was held on Saturday, May 4. Various programs were organized during the day by the Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH) in association with local dance schools.
The Gurjar Mela celebration was formally launched by Nisha Mirani, President of GSH with her young and energetic Executive Committee, GSH Trustee Board and GSH Board of Directors.
Event coordinator Ajit Patel had done a wonderful job of arranging Sardar Patel Community Park (GSH own land) as the venue for this grand event. Stage Decoration was the result of the hard work of GSH EC members and other volunteers. Mandap Creations, touch of decoration, made the venue light up as a full moon night. Gujarat Day Exhibition was set in a double Exhibit booth by Vishwadeep Barad and volunteers of Gujarati Sahitya Sarita. Gujarati Samaj of Houston is thankful of their association and support. A big kudos to Charlie Patel who single handedly offered his service to GSH as the Booth Coordinator. He was the key person for all those who came out to enjoy the different food and services at various booths. All the power point presentation were done by Paresh Patel. Our sincere thanks goes to Paresh Shah and Gautaum Jani for video recordings and Mili Thakkar for clinking the pictures of this grand Gurjar Mela.
Mehendi contest and Narendra Modi “look alike” competition was coordinated by Sapna Shah with the help of Jaimini Patel and Smita Chawla. They also had coloring contest for two age groups. There were twenty entries for kids coloring competition and four entries for Mehendi competition. Colorful and artistic side of local artist talent was on display for the attendees to watch. Rachna Patel, owner of RJ Salon & Spa was the prize sponsor and judge for the mehendi contest. Uma Nagarsheth was the judge for the kids coloring contest. Ajit Patel won the Narendra Modi look alike contest. Sincere thanks goes to Kohinoor Diamond, Shubhlaxmi Grocers for providing giveaways during the event. This event was greatly supported by Mass Mutual Insurance, Karat 22 Jewelers, Auto Desire.com, Bhakta Samaj of Houston, Parivar Grocers, Kohinoor Diamond, Namaskar Entertainment, Sari Sapne, Balaji Bhavan, East West International and Subway. GSH also thanks RJ Salon and Spa, Namaste, Laxmi Sarees, Alings Hakka Chinese, Michael Angelo Restaurant, and Straw Hat Pizza for sponsoring the prizes for various contests.
The outdoor event was organized from 6 pm to midnight. The colorful part of this grand event was a ‘Cultural Evening’ which was coordinated by Sapna Shah and Sureshbhai Patel (Darbar) with the assistance and support of local dance schools, associations and individuals. The venue was packed to full capacity with around 1500 attendees.
By 7pm there were no parking spaces available. GSH Presiden Nisha appreciated and recognized the event sponsors and volunteers. The second part of the event, started with musical group “Mumbai masti” with beautiful hit songs of “Garvi Gujarat.” Sunny, Alka and KK from India with their musicians. They did a great job of taking all the audience back to the melodies of famous Gujarati songs and thereafter Bollywood music. Among those who attended the event were Hon. Anil Matta (Consul from Consulate General of India Office), Swapan Dhairyawan, Rajiv Bhavsar (both past ICC President), Ashvin Dave from BAPS Temple, Rasesh Dalal from VPSS Haveli, Vijay Pallod from Hindus of Greater Houston. Also present were Past Presidents of Guajrati Samaj, religious leaders, TV Asia, leading radio station host and other community leaders.
The spectators were treated to an exhilarating performances by over 60 participants. Key events of Gujarat’s history were presented by local participants in their unique styles. The participants of different age group (4 years to 70 years) performed on various themes from pre-historic era to modern Gujarat.
Master of Ceremony was a youth, Dhaval Patel as “Ranglo” (Gujarati Bhavai). GSH thanks Darshak Thakkar of Krishna Sound and his team for managing stage sound and lights. Heartfelt appreciation goes to Shailesh Patel for preparing the venue. Special appreciation to BOD members Dr.Kirit Desai, Harshad Patel, Jayanti Patel and Suresh Patel, BOT members Jaimini Patel, Mukesh Patel and Prakesh Desai for attending the event. GSH President extends heartiest congratulations and sincere appreciation to her vibrant team members Ajit Patel (VP) Sapna Shah (Secretary), Smita Chawla, Sanjay Chauhan, Rakesh Shah, Haren Hingu, Kalpesh Rana, Akshay Shah, Pankaj Patel, Amrish Patel, Vrajesh Patel and Bharat Thakkar for continuous support. Great volunteers like Kirit Patel, Raju Patel and Samir Patel (pappu) came forward to help before and after the event. GSH will also like to mention a special thanks to Amish Patel, Yagnesh Patel and Kamlesh Patel. The SKAI Foundation of Woodlands had displayed the Chariot at the venue and that site was a “Kodak moment” for the attendees.
GSH President, Nisha Mirani conveys, “From the bottom of my heart I thank you all who have stepped forward to help us celebrate this event. And, I cannot express enough of my gratitude and appreciation to event coordinator, venue coordinator, all our volunteers, committee members, their spouses and children, our sponsors and well wishers, as well as all our participants for giving us this opportunity to make this event a memorable occasion for all of us. Without your support, we could not have pulled this off. We humbly request you all to please continue to provide us your support and encouragement.”
For more information visit www.gujaratisamajofhouston.com or read next issue of DARPAN.