Text and photo by Ravi R. Ponangi
Atlanta,GA: The mela held last weekend was highly successful in
bringing together the entire community. There was no dearth for
fun, games, cultural events, prizes and food. The two day Mela
held at Global Mall in Norcross on October 18th and 19th was, to
say the least, thoroughly entertaining. The mall had so much to
offer for everyone waiting to celebrate the forthcoming Diwali
and Eid festivals. Free entertainment, plenty of food outlets,
mega sales and prizes from most of the stores in Global Mall as
well as by outside vendors – were the highlights of the two-day
Mela.
Set up this year at the entrance of Global Mall was a huge
inflatable obstacle course entertaining kids and adults alike.
Upon entering the mall, one sensed the air filled with music,
the laughter of children and the smell of authentic Indian food!
Restaurants in the mall were offering the guests Indian cuisines
that included Pao bhaji, Pani puri, mango lassi etc., The mall
had organized a free raffle giving out prizes every half hour to
the lucky winners and the prizes ranged from free wraps in the
food court to clothes and jewelry to gift certificates from
Legacy Jewels. With the multiple stores and outside vendor
booths offering amazing Mela sales, the entire family had lots
of great shopping opportunities.
The Mela was kicked off on Saturday with kids running around for
free cotton candy and popcorn and then to free face painting and
balloon fun. The mall regaled the children with two great magic
shows followed by free Bhangra lessons for kids and adults
taught by Georgia Tech's Qurbani dance team. There was a
surprise guest appearance by Sindoora of the famous Indian
serial Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan at the Mela. From taking pictures
to meeting the Global Mela attendees, she kept the crowd agog
with excitement.
The cultural show on Sunday showcased the talents of kids and
adults with Bhartnayam performances to classical Kathak to
hip-hop and Bollywood. This was followed by a meditation and
yoga seminar by Art of Living Foundation.
Ms. Vandana Aggawal, coordinator of Global Mela said that the Global Mela brought the community together
every year and people spent time shopping, dancing, meeting
people, eating good food, and having great fun. It is an event
that really forges closer ties among the Indian community in
Atlanta.
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