The Indian community together celebrated the Mega Community event ‘ÍIK Diwali Mela’ here at Salmiya Indian Model School with gaiety and enthusiasm. Irrespective of region and religion, more than 5000 family crowd gathered throughout the day on Friday, 17th to be part of the mega event, which was bought out by the community portal IndiansinKuwait.com to celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’.

As the name suggests Diwali Mela, was indeed a gathering of all Indian Associations and people from all walks of life who enjoyed the Carnival atmosphere with plenty of Entertainment, Diwali Gifts, Food, Shopping and games.

The colourful Rangoli Competition gave the festive beginning to the Mela. Around 10 teams participated in this competition which was sponsored by Hussain & Qaisar Int Ltd Co. Delicious and creative Diwali Mithais’ prepared by the participants at the ‘Holiday Inn - Jamawar Indian Restaurant Mithai Competition’ welcomed the crowed at IIK Diwali Mela.

The Mela was officially inaugurated by H E Mr Sunil Jain Ambassador of India to Kuwait and Madam Dr Gargi Jain by lighting the lamp in presence of Mr Shehzad Gidwani, General Manager of Morad Behbehani Group, Mrs Anju Gidwani and Mr Sunoj Nambiar from IndiansinKuwait.com. HE Sunil Jain wished Diwali greetings to the community. “I am happy to see such a large gathering here and thank IndiansinKuwait.com for providing such an opportunity”, he said while inaugurating the event.

As a noble cause IndiansinKuwait.com, IWIK and Golden Era Club together contributed a cheque of Rupees 2 Lakhs to the Ambassador for the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund.

Sponsors of the Event were given mementos from IIK. The Main Sponsor for the Mela was Tik Tok. Al Muzaini Exchange Co. & American Tourister were the Gold Sponsors. Associate sponsors were Kuwait Automotive Import Co, KDD - Provita, Oriental Insurance, Abbott Nutrition and Shifa Al Jazeera medical centre.

Felicitation Ceremony for the winner of Independence Day Supplement Quiz contest was also held during the function. The winner for the Contest Mr Amith Krishnan received a Rado Watch.

Early Bird Raffle draw Lucky Winner received an exclusive Belmain watch from the sponsor Tik Tok.

Welcome dance of Vinayaka Koutham was performed by Dikshita Samudrala of Natya Veda school founded by Kuchpudi Dance Guru Smt. Veda Valli Prasad. Cultural dances performed by various associations captivated the audience throughout the day. Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait, Telugu Kala Samithi, Bengali Association and Friends of Kannur Expat Association actively participated in the full day Mela. The Bihu dance by Assam Association mesmerized the audience.

The Mela brought all Indian Associations together in a common platform to showcase their rich culture through various programs and stalls. Colourful and attractive Diwali Lanterns made by the students of various Indian schools were exhibited at the Mela.

Fancy dress completion for kids and Kids Fashion show was an added attraction in the event. The enthusiasm and zeal with which the children and their parents participated and performed was extremely commendable.

Felicitation of the participating Associations with mementos was done during the day. Winners of IIK Supplement “Tiranga" Contribution also received prizes at the IIK Diwali Mela.

Various dances from Dancing Divas, Heart Beats, Punjabi Bangada Dance and Jankar Dance Academy captivated the audience.

One of the highlight of the Diwali Mela was the amazing Flash Mob performance by D’ illusions dance troupe. People at the Mela were treated to a surprise as a group of young dancers emerged from the crowds to take part in the amazing flash mob. Starting from few dancers the group quickly grew, with performers emerging from all corners of the crowd as bystanders looked both delighted and bemused.

The dynamic kids from D’illusions bought a real live to the Mela with variety of game stalls and surprising prizes. DJ Cheslie ( Audio Tonic) and his group kept crowds mood upbeat with their selection of latest footapping music.

People were really surprised by valuable spot prizes and the regular raffles every hour though out the day. The valuable prizes were sponsored by Tik Tok. This kept the event entertaining.

Prize distribution of all the competitions held throughout the day at the mela was done at the end of the program. Friends of Kannur Expat Association, FOKE, with a Kerala themed stall at the Diwali Mela bagged prize for the Best Stall. Mr Wilson D’Souza proposed vote of thanks.

The event did not end there. The Dandiya Raas at the end for the audience kept the entertainment going. The whole family gathered at the Diwali Mela participated in the Dandiya Raas. Dandiyas were provided by Tik Tok. The mood recreated the true Indian festive atmosphere at Salimya Indian Model School premise.