Vedic Heritage Inc. Temple in New York hosts Diwali Mela featuring classical Indian music and dance

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Vedic Heritage Inc., held two days of Dipawali Mela 2022 November 5 and 6, celebrating classical Indian music and dance. More than 150 devotees and others attended the event each day, organizers told Desi Talk. The Temple has been holding this event annually for 20 years.

Among the stars featured during the two days were sarodh virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan accompanied by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, as well as Kathak dancers Barkha Patel and Neelima Beri, and vocalist Swar Rattan Sharma.

The event was held at Pandit Jasraj Auditorium at the temple in Hempstead, New York.

A lamp-lighting ceremony was held, and puja observing Vedic rituals was conducted.The event was organized by the Board of Trustees of the Vedic Heritage temple which was founded by Gurumaa Jyotishanand Sarasvati. “I am a great lover of music and art,” he said to ITV Gold.

Among the special guests who attended were the Mayor of the Village of Hempstead Waylyn Hobbs Jr., District 19 Nassau County Legislator Stephen D. Rhoads, New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, the only Indian-American in the state’s upper house, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold which publishes Desi Talk, and Dr. Sudha Parikh.

Gurumaa Jyotishanand Sarasvati was presented citations by Senator Thomas on behalf of the NY State Senate in recognition of the service the Temple provides to the community. Mayor Hobbs also presented a citation to Gurumaa.

Dr. Parikh called it a privilege to be in the presence of the Guru. “”It is a great celebration,” said Dr. Parikh, describing sarodh maestro Amjad Ali Khan as “the pride of India and beloved son of India.” He also added, “I feel privileged to get the blessing and guisance of Gurumaa to keep serving the community,” which is my goal in life.”

Dr. Sudha Parikh called it a delightful experience to have the wonderful music and added, “We were lucky to have the blessing of Gurumaa.”