By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In honor of Diwali, the Indian Community of Needham (ICON) hosted a celebration on Saturday, November 18th, in the town of Dedham. This annual event reached its maximum capacity of 260 people, with ICON members gathering at St. John of Damascus Church for a festive celebration.
Youth Ambassador Karan Bhagat, a new addition to ICON, played a significant role in coordinating the celebration, showcasing a commitment to involving the younger generation in their culture and community. Youth volunteers Rahan Paranjape and Aadam Mulla served as the MCs for the evening, kicking off the festivities. Rahan explained the significance of Diwali, stating, “Diwali is a celebration of lights. It started from a mythological event where a hero named Rama defeated a demon named Ravana. We celebrate his return home with lights and lamps and different celebrations of Indian culture. It has just become a tradition that Indian people around the world celebrate every year.” Aadam additionally added, “It has become like a festival of gratitude. You give a lot. You share foods, treats, performances, etc. The Indian community really comes together and celebrates all that this means to us.”
The celebration featured a variety of activities for all ages, including craft tables for children, a 360 photo booth with videos displayed on a giant screen, a professional photographer capturing family and friend moments, and delectable Indian cuisine. The stage hosted various performances, ranging from a Diwali welcome dance to a Zinda Banda dance, with an open dance floor inviting everyone to join in after the performances.
Social Chairs Bala Muthukaruppan and Ektaa Patel ensured the event's success, actively engaging with attendees and participating in planning, creating, and performing throughout the night. Their enthusiasm reflected the overall enjoyment of the event for all participants.
The Diwali celebration proved to be another major success for ICON. For more information about ICON and membership details, please visit their website at www.iconeedham.org.
