Last Saturday, in the heart of a bustling Las Vegas, a short grand celebration was underway for India’s Independence Day. The Charleston Library theater echoed the harmonious sounds of Bollywood tunes and the rhythmic beats of Indian contemporary and classical dances. The ambiance was filled with palpable unity as families and friends gathered to honor their heritage and community spirit. Disappointingly, less than 150 community members, including Indian-American Hon. Judge Tina Talim, attended the afternoon celebration.

Purbhasa Banerjee, a dedicated volunteer & event organizer known for meticulous attention to detail, was central to the success of this annual celebration by the local Indian club, Friends of India. As the event drew near, Banerjee felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders to emcee the event and coordinate the entertainment segment of the program. 

The highlight of the evening event was the quiz competition sponsored by Rajat Sood, President of Friends of India. Five finalists were tested for their knowledge of history and culture. The quiz dragged on for about forty minutes, but the crowd was engaged, cheering on their favorites and having fun moments. The kids’ parade finale on the stage was a delightful spectacle to celebrate India’s Independence Day festivities. 

The dinner, catered by Mint India, a delectable array of traditional and contemporary dishes, was much appreciated by the attendees. 

With standard output, the long program strengthened community bonds and celebrated the rich tapestry of the shared Indian heritage with a shared feeling of pride and togetherness. It was evident that despite the challenges of low turnout, the event was well-liked by those in attendance.

It was announced that the upcoming Diwali celebrations will be held on November 2^nd, 2024.

As submitted by an attendee.