HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama organized the fourth Holi & Hola celebrations at Antun’s by Minar here on March 19, 2023. Attended by over a hundred guests, the event exhibited the fraternal bonds between the diverse Indian diaspora. The very idea of celebrating Holi and the Sikh Hola Mohalla together is to promote brotherhood and amity among Indian Americans practicing diverse faiths and cultures.

A display of the rich cultural heritage impressed the guests who included the chief guest Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Nassau County former Human Rights Commission chairman Zahid Ali, Ravi Batra, Chair, the National Advisory Council on South Asian Affairs, AK Vijaykrishnan , Consul, Community Affairs, among others.

A thrilling display of the Sikh traditional martial art called Gatka by the Akal Gatka Gurmat Group led by Sardar Daler Singh, President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana left everyone spell bound Before the Gatka performance. Master Mohinder Singh, a senior leader of the Sikh community, a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana, spoke about the traditional Sikh martial art.
The Gatka performance evoked from County Executive Bruce Blakeman the comment that he had never ever witnessed such a thrilling performance. He was simply awe-struck. The other attractive performances included Holi Dance by the dancers from Rhythm Dance Academy, Bollywood Medley Dance by dancers from RS International group, and a Holi Song by a Florida based celebrated singer Kadambini.
Prachi Makkar’s Punjabi songs and Bolian brought many to the dance floor. Surya Makkar on Punjabi Dhol was a great accompanist to his sister Prachi. Bollywood singer and director Vicky Kohli regaled with his lovely singing.

One of the attractions of the celebrations was the selection of the traditional Holi “Mahamoorkh”. Emmy nominated film maker and actor Tirlok Malik was crowned Mahamoorkh through a draw of lots.

Speaking on the occasion, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said:
“On the occasion of Holi and Hola. I convey my warmest wishes to all our Indian American community members here in Long Island and we are thankful to Professor Indrajit Saluja for organizing a very beautiful function to get everybody together to celebrate our culture and heritage. We celebrate every race and every religion.

“You are such an important part of the fabric of Nassau County. Think about what your contributions have been in medicine, law, business, finance, education, technology. Your contributions make this a better County and a better country.”

In an interview to the TV channels Global Punjab and TV Asia Mr. Blakeman said: “I am glad to be here at Antun’s in Hicksville celebrating with all my Indian Sikh friends for The Indian Panorama Holi and Hola festival. We love the Indian Americans that live here in America. They contribute so much to our county and country- medicine, technology, education, business; Indian American community contributes so much. They make us a greater County and I’m so blessed to be here. Thank you all. God bless you and have a wonderful festival.”

Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York who has always maintained a close contact with the Indian American community and taken keen interest in its various activities was the chief guest. In his brief address, he praised the Indian American community for preserving and promoting Indian culture.
The Consul General said:
“I convey my warmest wishes to all our Indian American community members here in Long Island and we are thankful to Professor Indrajit Saluja for organizing a very beautiful function to get everybody together to celebrate our culture and heritage.” Others who spoke on the occasion included Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja said the idea of organizing the Holi and the Hola Mohalla together was prompted by his desire to promote a feeling of togetherness, amity and brotherhood between the two major communities of Indian origin here. He thanked the gathering for their response and support.

The organizing committee which worked real hard for the success of the event included Indu Jaiswal, Jyoti Gupta, Amita Karwal, Gunjan Rastogi, Shashi Malik, Anu Jain, Jag, Jaskiran Saluja, and Parveen Chopra. “A lot of thanks to the greatest team”, Prof. Saluja said.
He also thanked his family for their support and advice always.
The media persons were extremely supportive and deserve all thanks, said Prof. Saluja. TV Asia, PTC TV , ITV , Global Punjab deserve special gratitude for the extensive coverage of the event.
Parminder was a great DJ , as usual, with excellent sound service.
Anmol Dhawan was a great help with banners and publicity. The Indian Panorama is grateful to the young man who has always been supportive. Not to forget the great photographer Jay Mandal whose clicks will surely please our readers. Thank you, Mr. Mandal for your support.

The food catered by Mr. Neetoo of Antun’s by Minar received approval and praise from all guests who looked forward to another attendance at the place.