After a long hiatus of Mandir’s annual anniversary celebrations, the community returned with full vigor to propitiously celebrate its 22^nd anniversary on the newly constructed festival grounds. The newly appointed Mandir Board’s Co-Chair, Gopi Latpate, and Pravin Bakrania were instrumental in conceptualizing, expediting, and completing the project on time and within the budget.

Attendees started pouring in around 5 PM under the clear afternoon Las Vegas sky and were delighted to experience the newly constructed spacious festival grounds. Celebrations began with a short prayer by our revered Panditjis’ Brijesh Ji and Vishnu Ji. The celebrations marked an Indian dinner buffet, Chat Corner & multiple vendor stalls, and children’s activities. The mediocre, bland buffet included essential Indian dishes – Dal, Chick Peas, Mixes Veggies, Nan, Rice, and Gulab Jamun for desserts. Chat Corner appetizers included freshly made Aaloo Tikki, Bread Pakora’s, and Dahi Bhallas. 

Scores of diligent volunteers tried to keep the crowd entertained with yesteryear Bollywood songs and some dancing. “The local community members of singers were way better than the recently held EKAL entertainment program,” said one attendee.  Children enjoyed jumping in the bounce houses, playing on the green felt, and loved the bountiful candy run. EKAL Vidyalaya Youth Group volunteers provided soft drinks and water.  There was ample parking and enough space with proper seating arrangements for attendees to enjoy the festivities.

As per the volunteer group of organizers, there were over 400 attendees from a few of the attendees who were there back in 2001 when Mandir opened its doors to mostly the recently moved members of the growing Hindu community in Southern Nevada. However, the past celebrations were free to attend; this year, the management charged $20 per person to join the festivities.  The consensus among the attendees was that the nominal ticket amount discouraged many families from participating in anniversary celebrations. However, one volunteer blamed the low attendance on crucial exam week at the local schools. Multiple vendors selling costume jewelry and ladies’ clothing were ravenously disappointed by the low turnout and meager sales.

“Moving into the future, the management looks forward to improving the grounds with a children’s play area, repainting the temple façade, and covering the newly built east side patio. And most importantly, bringing the diverse Hindu community together for their spiritual and religious needs,” said newly elected Co-Chair Gopi Latpate. “Thanks to Gopi and Pravin for their volunteering spirit. Long awaited anniversary celebrations were the first step to bring the Mandir back to its glory days,” said a long-time resident of Las Vegas. 

Check out the pictures..

Pictures by Vik Chohan Photography… Album 1 Album 2