First ever Himachal Day in USA was held at Milpitas (California) on June 14, celebrating rich culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh state of India.
It brought few hundred Himachalis and friends of Himachal Pradesh together at India Community Center (ICC) to enjoy Himachali dances, culinary delicacies, music, folk fashions, displays, etc. ICC has dedicated June as Himachal Month and is holding displays of Himachali crafts, paintings, pictures, etc., showcasing its cultural heritage.
Rajan Zed was honored on the occasion and was presented with a Himachali shawl and a Himachali topi, handed over by Vice Mayor of City of Cupertino Kris Wang. Zed read the first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC.
Coordinating committee, which organized this colorful event, included Mahesh Nihalani, Asha Sharma, Colonel Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Meena Patyal, who collaborated with My Himachal to organise the event.
My Himachal is an award winning 501(c)(3)A charitable, non-profit, non-governmental organization, made up of people of Himachal origin and friends of Himachal Pradesh worldwide.
Every year My Himachal organizes health Mela in Kullu and Spiti valleys of Himachal and provide scholarships to deserving students. My Himachal coordinated with Himachal government for the event and also brought its members to help plan it.
Dr. Meena Patyal, My Himachal’s Vice President and Mahesh Nihalani, advisor were in forefront to organise the event.
Organizers plan to hold it every April. Ash Kalra, Councilmember of City of San Jose; Sandra James, former Mayor of City of Cupertino; and Steven Ting, President of Rotary Club of Cupertino; also attended.
Event included Himachal Group Song lead by Kanta Sud, “An American in Gandhi’s India book introduction by Asha Stokes Sharma, Gaddi Folk Dance by Uma Chitlapatti and others, Chamba Folk Songs by Yamini Mitter, Lahaul & Spiti folk dance by Sumaswara and others, Himachali Duet Song by Kanta and Sushma Sud, Himachali Costume Display and Dance by children (Aanya Sood, Diti Kohli, Risha Khandelwal) which was choreographed by Anupama Sood, Himachali Song by Yamini, Natti Folk Dance lead by Neelam Madaik, etc.
Lunch comprised of specialty Himachali dishes pachole, palak diyan wadiyaan, tilwale aloo, rajmah da madhra, posti babroo, pahari khichadi, and kesari chwal prepared under the direction of chef R. Rohit Singh.
Patricia Proctor, who traveled all the way from rural Nevada with her family to attend Himachal Day, described the whole experience as wonderful.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
Respected Editor,
Its bit unfortunate that when you were writing this story/event details you did not mention all the facts together. It would have been very motivated to the kids/families and the persons who put together their efforts for kids dance. Which was the one of the best event in your whole program. “Instead of writing “Dance by children” you should have put the names of the kids performanced the dance like you have put other people’s names. Its just a suggestion for you. If this email has offend you in any way then I apologize for the same.
Just another Himachali
Sandeep Sood
Heartiest congratulations for organizing the very ‘First Himacha Day’ in US, under the auspices of India Community Centre. Showcasing the Himachali culture across the seas is no doubt a commendable effort and that too in US. It speaks volumes for having been able to organize such an event on foreign land.
It is all the more a good feeling to know that Patricia Proctor was part of the celebrations with the family having come all the way from rural Nevada to attend Himachal Day.
I extend all my heartiest congratulations again to MyHimachal for their effort to bring the cultures together. Keep it up.
kind regards
Saurabh Bhakri/ Delhi, India
Heartiest congratulations for all Himachalis to celebrate the “FIRST HIMACHAL DAY” in US. its good to know that some peoples are far away from their “DEVBHOOMI’. And by making Himachali cuisines, its really nice to hear some people are there far away from their land by keeping their souls in Himachal.
Again i congratulate you all and MyHImachal for this. For keeping their souls still in DEVBHOOMI.
It was really nice to attend the function with my family members The Oraganisers have done a good job and the cultural programme was real hit.
The presentation on the book on Satya Nand Strokes was very revealing on the role played by him to bring Apples to Himachal and his life devoted for development and freedom struggle.
I only wish that there shall be good co-ordination and involvement of all Himachalies in future.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Kudos to the enthusiasm of organizers as well as hundreds of attendees at the maiden Himachali show of solidarity in the Bay area! Himachali dresses, unique smiles(rest of India has to learn from us), and authentic cuisine of the Himalayas – it was a feast to the eyes, hearts and souls of those who love that land of Gods!