Amarjit Dhillon
DALLAS (TIP):
Teeyan da Mela organized by Punjabi Cultural Association of North Texas (PCANT) here created a sort of history when a record breaking number of people participated in it. The colorful event held at Roma Palace, Garland showcased the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Young and old women, dressed in colorful traditional Punjabi dresses which included suits of different designs and lahangas of various kinds spilled colors of Punjab and Punjabiat. Jeeni Mann from Dallas sang a devotional song (shabad) to kick off the colorful event.

Miss Punjaban, Mrs. Punjaban and Ma Punjaban amongst others

The masters of ceremony Roshni Kataria and Kulwant Kaur Sandhu invited various Gidha teams to perform. Each team gave a great performance, to the delight and joy of the large audience. In addition, three competitions were held at the mela (festival) which included Miss Punjaban, Mrs. Punjaban and Mother Punjaban. Roop Kamal won the title of Miss Punjaban while the title of Mrs. Punjaban went to Kirandeep Dhindsa. The Ma Punjaban (Mother Punjaban) title was annexed by Kuldeep Kaur Hothi of Dallas.



Enjoying themselves with abandon

The Judges- Harjinder Johl, Harinder Badian and Simar Uppal were unanimous in their choice of awardees. The organizers had made superb arrangements for refreshments which included the famous Punjabi Jalebi and Pakorhe, among others, and the gathered audience enjoyed the hospitality to the full. Manpreet Singh Walia was the grand sponsor of the event.

Others who sponsored the event included Guru Ravidass Society, Jassi and Lali Toor, and Harjit Singh Buttar. The media sponsors included Radio Vasda Rahe Punjab, Punjabi Media Group and Fun Asia. A vote of thanks was proposed by Asha Badhan, Surjeet Mandera, Harjinder Johl, Kulwant Sandhu and Roshni Kataria.
(Amarjit Dhillon can be reached at 972-375-8628. email: ranglapunjabdallas@hotmail.com)