South Asian Heritage Month Celebrations

A highlight of the event was the fashion show, “Fashion Show – Let Us Stand Together,” choreographed by Priyanka, which perfectly encapsulated the theme of unity in diversity…reports Asian Lite News

IIW Inspiring Indian Women, Indradhanush Kids Academy, and Kaushalya UK, supported by Janhanda Foundation Founder Srilal Dias from Sri Lanka and Zabardast Butterflies Founder Alamara Awan from Pakistan, celebrated South Asian Heritage Month. The event was graced by His Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Salim Chowdhury, Mayoress Mrs. Jesmin Chowdhury, Deputy Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar MBE, and notable community leaders including Sonoo Malkani, Poet Shashi Mathur, Cllr Prabhakar Kaza, and Cllr Aditya Kaza. Their presence added inspiration and motivation to the participants.

The celebration featured a diverse array of performances representing various South Asian countries, making it a unique and memorable event. Performers included Sushmita Sivan with a South Indian folk dance, Fusion Bharatanatyam by Nishka and Anisha Badri, and Nepali folk dance by Manju Shah. Young talents from Sri Lanka showcased three traditional dances, one depicting the behavior of lions. Zoya from Afghanistan highlighted traditional Afghani attire, while Sreya Sarkar presented a Bengali folk dance. The Indradhanush Kids Academy featured a captivating Kathak performance by FUSION TAAL.

A highlight of the event was the fashion show, “Fashion Show – Let Us Stand Together,” choreographed by Priyanka, which perfectly encapsulated the theme of unity in diversity. Other notable performances included Meghana Shah’s rendition of “Rangilo Maro Dholna,” a sword fighting act by six-and-a-half-year-old Iris Heenaba Pabot, and a Nepali song by Pramod Sharma and his group. Poetry by Atif and a song by Shazad, presented by the Zabardast Butterflies organization from Pakistan, added a literary touch to the festivities. The Pahadi Women International, led by Sudha Rawat, showcased a beautiful dance from Uttarakhand, while seven-year-old Yanah Dhakate from Indradhanush Kids Academy sang “Jai Ganesh.”

The stage was later set ablaze by Segastatic Dancers from Mauritius, led by Soulma Hosany, and Aryahi Kandukari with a Telugu classical performance. The event also featured Kandyan and Sabaragamu dances from the low-lying areas of Sri Lanka, showcasing prayer dances invoking blessings for everyone. Swapna Mukherjee from Teen Taal Kathak Institute mesmerized the audience with her graceful performance, and Bollymoves Dance Academy provided a perfect finale to the grand show, emphasizing community cohesion.

The event also offered an opportunity for several small-scale women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. The dedicated team behind this extravaganza included Sunita Chaubey, Nilanjana Paul, Priyanka, Heenba, Jay Desai, Seema Khandelwal, Dr. Sneh Sunny Kathuria (host), Dr. Harpal Singh (host), Vini Kalia, and Nisha Shrikant Upadhyay. Photography and videography were expertly handled by Harshita Rathore, while stage and entrance decorations were beautifully done by Juhi Srivastava.

This vibrant celebration sent waves of positivity, brotherhood, togetherness, and unity throughout the community. Every soul present danced and made merry, marking a rare opportunity for six different organizations from South Asian countries to come together and strengthen the bond of friendship.