Diwali celebrated at Stamford Public Library

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The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, GOPIO, Connecticut chapter, along with Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at the Ferguson Library.

The program was coordinated by GOPIO-CT Board Member Sonali Gannu along with Yashaswi Jhangiani and the MC was Mirat Joshi.

GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani welcomed attendees and reiterated GOPIO’s mission of fostering cultural exchange and ideas within the community. Ferguson Library’s Citizenship & Cultural Programs Manager Yelena Klompus and Ana Gallegos, secretary of Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council also spoke.

Several lively and colorful performances, from dances to Hinduism myth-busters, a henna booth, and fifteen performances by local dance schools and Hindu organizations, made it an engaging event.

About 75 children performed Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dances. Indian dishes were served at the event.

All speakers highlighted the importance of raising awareness of Indian culture through events like these, including Gallegos, Carmen Hughes, Shobhna Bhatnagar, Meera Banta and Sonal Patel who represented the Stamford Mayor’s multicultural council team.

Also present were GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT Immediate Past President Ashok Nichani and Board Members Banta, Totty Narang and Anita Mathur.

GOPIO Executive VP Mahesh Jhangiani concluded the program thanking everyone and announcing the upcoming programs.