DALLAS (TIP): A mammoth gathering of enthusiastic Indian Americans to celebrate the festival of India– Diwali- must have hugely pleased the organizers- the DFW Indian Cultural Society who have been working hard to put in place an event which has made history. In the last 14 years, since Satish Gupta, the present President of DFW Indian Cultural Society moved the Diwali Mela out of his house where for years he has been celebrating the event with community, the mela has been growing in proportions. With every passing mela, the organizers learnt from their experience and over the years have perfected the art of organizing well such a massive event.

The festivities began with lighting of the lamp by Acharya Sarveshananda and a brief speech by him. It was followed by Ram Leela.

Satish Gupta, President of DFWICS thanked Board members, volunteers and the sponsors of the event.

A nonstop l20 minute laser show and great fireworks sent waves of joy among the 30000 visitors to the mela.

67 various dances were performed.  There was a car Raffle draw. The lucky winner was a lady who won a Toyota car in the raffle.

The customary Ravana dahan (burning the effigy of Ravana) symbolizing victory of good over evil , then took place which was  followed by exquisite fireworks. A Bollywood entertainment segment is the sine qua non of any successful event in the US. The organizers made sure that the craze was well satisfied. The star entertainer was Rich Sharma, the charming singer from Bollywood. Richa Sharma ‘s musical troupe regaled the audience for the next three hours.