KENDRA’S DIWALI MUSICAL PROGRAMME
Today we celebrated Diwali with a grand full day musical 'Mehefil' by Nituben Shah and her Band. There was no Yoga.
It was our largest gathering as 350 members and guests attended the programme - more than 'Houseful'. A chocolate was given to all at the entrance. Attendees arrived wearing smart dresses and colourful saris and then set down on the round tables which were decorated nicely. The Hall and the Stage, too, was beautifully decorated by the Ladies of Kendra. There were wonderful Rangoli displays. Each table had a flower vase and a large bottle of water.
The programme started just before 11.00 am by our President - Baburai Shah giving a hearty welcome to all present wishing all a very 'Happy Diwali' and a prosperous New Year. He stated that this was the first ever Diwali grand programme held on the Diwali day itself in the history of Kendra, which was unique and further we had the largest gathering to-date in any of Kendra programme. He then informed that today the whole of UK will observe a 2 minute silence at 11.00 am in memory of all who died in the wars. He requested all to stand up and observe the silence.
The programme started immediately thereafter and it was good to see everyone in a happy mood and enjoying the fantastic music- sometimes even dancing near the stage. Nituben and Group sang some oldies and other new songs. The unforgettable tunes from the 'Bhuli Bishri Yadeein'.were highly praised. Everyone joined in clapping and even singing with the melodious tunes and several requests for specific songs were given and sung by the Group.
Just before the interval for lunch, Vinodbhai Parekh announced that he was proud to see the largest gathering to-date. He also thanked all the volunteers who came very early this morning to help in various duties like decorations in the Hall, Rangoli, including those who were at the Entrance to check tickets. He also thanked the kitchen volunteers, the Pattidar Centre's staff, Meera Caterers for excellent special lunch.
He thanked : * Rasilaben and Prabhudasbhai Shah - who are our regular sponsors, for donating the chocolates which were given to members at the entrance.
* Meenaben Shah and Manjuben Pindoria for displaying the Rangoli tables.
A delicious lunch with 'Kaju Roll', 'Ormu' mixed 'bajia' etc. was served and this was very well enjoyed. All present, the musicians and Sattavis Patidar Centre staff and cleaners had lunch within 45 minutes. After lunch, the music continued and at 2.45 pm, 'Kesar' ice cream was served to all. The programme ended at around 3.15 pm and the volunteers helped in clearing the Hall by 3.30 pm
We are proud of all the volunteers who put in a lot of effort in making this programme a great success and they deserve our heartfelt thanks.