Indians Celebrate 8th Hamara Desi Christmas

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HOUSTON: Houston’s one and only Indian Christmas celebration was hosted last Saturday, December 19, at the Stafford Civic Center. As always the auditorium was packed to an audience of an awe inspiring program by Houston Indian Fellowship.

The Houston Indian Fellowship (HIF), a group of Indians from across the metropolitan Houston area, conducts an annual Christmas Celebration to share the joy and cheer of Christmas with Indians in Houston from different walks of faith in addition to other events such as cricket championships and painting competitions in order to bring the community together for a time of fun. They also provide free health care for the needy.

The admission for the event was free and it was followed by complimentary dinner for all the attendees.  The dinner was catered by the acclaimed Annam Indian Cuisine.

HIF, by hosting this event and providing free health care to the needy, strives to bring Christmas cheer to people from different faiths and regions of India.

US Congressman Steve Stockman graced the occasion as the chief guest of the event. His simple speech with the underlying message of the true meaning of Christmas deeply moved the audience.

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This year’s celebration included an inspiring staged performance of the birth of Jesus with beautiful costumes, re-telling the story of the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem, skits, songs and Bollywood-style dances, and even a lesson on how to dance ‘Indian Style’.

The stage was overflowing with vibrant colors as a variety of classical Indian songs telling of God’s Love were presented.

The audience was clinging to the edges of their seats as HIF performed these programs. The message behind this performance was to show that the real meaning of is to share Love, Joy and Peace to all mankind as it was done by Christ. Christopher Deepak wrapped up the event with a succinct Christmas message that further emphasized Love, Joy and Peace are at the very core of having a true meaningful Christmas to the audience.

Shirley Israel a member of the Houston Indian fellowship awarded the winners of the painting competition. Samsung tablets were given to the first prize winners in each category and the second prize winners were given a gift card.

Finally everyone in the audience joined Santa and the HIF team to the dance number ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ in sharing Christmas joy and Cheer. The boisterous MC Sharon Samuel hosted this year’s event with elegance and grace.

The audience was raving about the event. “Wow! This is the best Desi event I have been to in the Houston area! Well organized and well catered event. The programs were crisp, clear and professional’.

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Reuben Joseph, the lead coordinator said ‘We come together and pool our talents to come up with an enjoyable event! This gives us a wonderful experience and we have a lot of fun doing it’.

Deepak Israel, a member of HIF proudly stated, “This event brings an opportunity to celebrate the Christmas Season of joy and cheer with fellow Indians who come from different walks of faith. He said to ‘Expect a greater and bigger event next year!’

Dr. Robello Samuel, integral member of HIF, said “Seeing the joy of Christmas on the faces of the audience gives me great satisfaction as that is the whole idea behind the celebration!”

The sponsors for this event were Red Oaks Hospital, Annam Indian Cuisine, New York Life and other individuals. The University of Houston students along with other families and friends helped behind the scenes – all of which helped make this celebration a memorable one.

Houston Indian Fellowship would also like to invite anyone interested in performing or helping at the 9th annual Hamara Desi Christmas event scheduled for December 10, 2016 to please contact Dr. Robello Samuel at 832-275-8810 or Deepak Israel at 832-419-0967 or via email to info@hamaradesichristmas.org.

You may also visit them at  www.hamaradesichristmas.org