Himachal Day Celebrations in Milpitas Highlight Culture and Cuisine From ‘Dev Bhoomi’
- Attendees were treated to the traditional Nati dance, Gidda, poetry, Pahadi songs, fashion show, and Pahadi cuisine.
The spirit of Himachal was on display this week at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California, as Indian Americans from the “Dev Bhoomi” gathered to celebrate Himachal Day. Attendees were treated to the traditional Nati dance, Gidda, poetry, Pahadi songs and a fashion show. Chef Vittal of Jalsa Catering prepared exquisite dishes from Pahadi cuisine.
The April 16 event began with the lighting of the lamp and a reading of the Gayatri Mantra by Nevada-based religious statesman Ranjan Zed. Dignitaries and lawmakers who attended the event included State Senator Dave Cortese; Tom Pyke, District Director from California Congressman Ro Khanna’s office; entrepreneur Ajay Bhutoria, member of President Biden’s Advisory Commission; State Assembly members Ash Kalra and Alex Lee; County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Otto Lee, and Santa Clara Council member Raj Chahal.
The Himachal Bay Area Group would like to extend a very special thanks to Gokul Butail, who is currently serving as the Principal Advisor (Innovation & IT) to the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Gokul is Joint Secretary AlCC and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineer from IIT Chicago, USA. He has been involved with the Bay Area Himachal Group since its inception. He has attended many events organized in the Bay Area and always supported and encouraged the Himachali community here. He helped in reaching out to the Chief Minister of Himachal too. We all are in gratitude to Butail.
Guests also heard from Himachal Chief Minister Sukhu on a video call. He thanked the Bay Area community for showcasing the culture and tradition of the state. He talked about how his newly elected government is addressing the issues of environment, education, economy and technology, and assured that his government is implementing plans to make Himachal Pradesh the most progressive and strong state in India.
The proceeds collected from the Himachal Day Celebrations went to UNI Charity, a 501(c) nonprofit organization Founded by Amiyata Kalia in 2021, with the first and primary focus to help sick kids with congenital heart diseases who can be saved with timely care and financial support.