Indo-American Lions Club of Long Island, NY celebrates Diwali

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The Long Island Indo American Lions Club, which says its motto is community service, held Diwali celebrations Nov. 6, 2020.  Diwali is the festival of lights which symbolizes victory of light over darkness and holding an in-person festival was extremely welcome after the long night of COVID-19. The gathering was predictably small due to pandemic restrictions.

The celebration started with seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and the Ganesh Vandna was sung by Vijay Banjara. Guests were welcomed by President Indu Gajwani, who also introduced the officers and team.

Ghazals and dance numbers by Banjara kept people on the dance floor. The Raffle draw caused a lot of excitement. The raffle prizes were donated by Lion Krishna Maddipatla and Lion Kanak Golia, Mint Restaurant, Gary Sikka and Madhu Pareekh of Navika Group

Other attendees at the event included Vice Presidents-Dr .Sunil Mehra and Kanak Golia. Secretary Govind Oja, Event Chair Anju Sharma, Admin- Vandana Kumar, Membership Chair Dr. Kalpesh Amin, Member, Board of Directors Nand Panjwani,  Dr. Abhay Malhotra, Social Chair Sanju Sharma, District Governor Terry Oyster, and Past District governor Jose Pastrana.

Event Chair Anju Sharma made all the arrangements from reception, Raffle Draw, selection and packing of Diwali gifts.

Lion Harish Shahdadpuri and Rachna Shahdadpuri provided the venue and food for the party at the Play Fun Zone where there was ample space to follow and maintain the safety protocols.

Lion Shyam Gajwani coordinated the planning and implementation of the various parts of the program