With over six hundred attendees from the ever-growing Indian Americans in Southern Nevada, the Friends of India celebrated annual Diwali festivities at the Green Valley Ranch Hotel & Casino. 

This year’s celebration showcased a new generation of Indian Americans who fully embraced India’s cultural richness, especially the Diwali festival. The event was a kaleidoscope of music, sounds, dancing, and attendees in beautiful Indian attire, highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving their heritage while celebrating their identity in America’s diverse landscape. 

With over 120 local participants for multiple coordinated group performances, mostly Bollywood themes, the evening created a lively and energetic atmosphere. The combination of children and adults participating highlighted the familiar community spirit, the joy of sharing cultural traditions, and the passing of the baton to the new generation of Indian Americans. Purbasha Banerjee’s leadership as entertainment director with professionally choreographed moves was a monumental task, and it made a memorable impact on the success with the seamless execution of the evening entertainment. 

Friends of India Diwali Pictures Album 1 Album 2

In his Diwali congratulatory statement to the community, the outgoing President, Rajat Sood, said, “Diwali is not just a time for celebrations; it is an opportunity to reflect on the values that bind us together as a community.” In a congratulatory letter to Friends of India, Nevada State Governor Joe Lombardo wrote, “I commend the Friends of India Las Vegas for their commitment to fostering understanding and connectivity among cultures. Your efforts help strengthen our community and promote inclusivity, reflecting the true spirit of Nevada.” Sood passed the leadership gavel to the incoming community leader, Ms. Saroj Chatterjee, who will lead Friends of India for the next two years.

The evening dinner catered by Mint India Bistro was a delightful culinary experience. The variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian hors d’oeuvres offered something for everyone, and the desserts, especially the kulfi faluda and sweet paan, were a delicious way to end the evening.