Performers enthrall, guests thrilled

HICKSVILLE , NY (TIP): Arya Samaj of Long Island celebrated Vaisakhi- Punjab’s harvest festival on  April 30 at Hicksville Middle School. Though the Samaj has been celebrating Vaisakhi since 2007 it is for the first time that the festival was celebrated on a large scale , Secretary of Arya Samaj of Long Island Mr. Veer Mukhi said. “The intention is to spread India’s rich culture and traditions”, he added. Incidentally, the Arya Samaj of Long Island was founded in 2006. The school auditorium with a seating capacity of around 300 was full, and the audience was treated to a delightful music and dance variety program.

The master of ceremonies Gita Setia gave a wonderful recitation of the Vedic Invocation which was followed by national anthems of America and India. Gita, who is a trained vocalist, cast a magic spell with a Punjabi song.

Vivarta Arts Dance group gave graceful dance performances.

Prachi Makkar and Surya Makkar- the sister-brother duo -made many in the audience come forward and dance to their Punjabi boliyan.  Both are extremely accomplished. While Prachi sings with equal ease the thrilling boliyan and tappe- the two forms of Punjabi folk singing, and mata ki bheta, Surya plays with equal mastery six different musical instruments.

The audience was literally excited to watch a thrilling performance of Gatka- the Sikh martial art. The vigor of the performers was appreciable. The Akal Gatka Group founded by Sardar Daler Singh and ably supported by his brother Sardar Gurmej Singh is one of the best known Gatka groups in America.

Then came Bhangra, the king of folk dances which has become a rage internationally. The fleet footed dancers of Soormay group sent waves of delight with their graceful motions. Bhangra is a folk dance of Punjab which is a must on  every festive occasion.

Earlier, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama,  who was the keynote speaker and the chief guest  was  honored by the Arya Samaj of Long Island. Dr. Urmilesh Arya presented him a bouquet and Dr. Yashpal Arya, Chairman of ASLI honored him with a shawl and a plaque.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Saluja  paid rich tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati who founded the Arya Samaj on April 10^th in 1875. He congratulated the organizers for celebrating Vaisakhi in the month of the founding of the Arya Samaj.

Prof. Saluja said it was natural for human beings to express their joy  on occasions which brought them happiness. Quoting from the Sikh Scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib which says “Nachan Kuddan man ka chao” which means  it is human desire to sing and dance, he said  Vaisakhi is celebrated in this spirit of joy when the farmers have harvested their crops and are prosperous. He added that the harvest festival is celebrated all over India by different names. Also, this is the time of the beginning of new year in many parts of the country.

Prof. Saluja acknowledged the presence of Mr. Jon Kaiman, the Deputy Executive of Suffolk County and his staff Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja, besides recognizing and thanking his family and the media. He thanked the Arya Samaj of Long Island for inviting and honoring him.

Me. Jon Kaiman said he has a long relationship with the Indian American community who he has always found very supportive of him, and assured of his support to the community always.

It was left to the Secretary,  Mr. Veer Mukhi to thank the guests, performers and the media , and invite all to a “sumptuous vegetarian dinner, catered by Raj Bhog, Hicksville”.