On December 2, a reunion to rekindle community spirit was organized by the India Cultural Association of Antelope Valley (ICAAV), an organization that works to elevate the voices and celebrate the accomplishments of Indian Americans in Southern California.
Several hundred people, excited to be together and in the spirit of the holidays, gathered at the Solomon Aghai banquet hall & event center in Lancaster for what was billed as a Diwali celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Alarcón of Palmdale was introduced by Maj. Gurjeet Singh to kick off the event. Speaking highly of the community, Alarcón gave the ICAAV and community members certificates of recognition for their contributions to the business and social life of the Antelope Valley.
The current president of ICAAV, Raj Nangia, and its former president, Dr. Pradeep Damle, gave succinct introductory remarks on the organization’s present and future plans. Weekly temple meetings were led by Chinmaya Mission, and local children studying Indian heritage and culture at Bala Vihar offered invocatory prayers.
Charenjeet Singh and his band brought joy and danceable songs to the festivities with their musical performance. DJ Scorpio, Sanjay Syal, provided the DJ services. Pro Tem Mayor Alarcón took part in the dancing and music with gusto.
Late into the night, there was more dancing, eating the delicious meal, and celebrating.
Topics #Cultural #Diwali Celebration #ICAAV #Indian Americans #Southern California
