Bucky Johnson, with  Shiv Aggarwal, his wife Anushi,  daughter Vandana and son Vishal

Pics.: VINOD DEVLIA

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Global Mela marked its 10th Anniversary with gusto, attracting over 15,000 community members at the iconic Global Mall on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9, 2011. The mammoth Mela, which has become the largest free carnival event for the South Asian community in the Southeast, was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, the City of Norcross Mayor, Bucky Johnson and Georgia Senator Curt Thompson (Democrat-Dist.-5).Both the dignitaries, accompanied by Global Mall owner and hosts Shiv Aggarwal and his family, cheerfully intermingled with the Mela visitors and went around admiring various booths inside the Mall. After cool and composed emcee, Kiran Sethi welcomed all, Acharya Pandit Ved Joshi performed Lord Ganesh pooja ceremony chanting auspicious shlokas to invoke God’s blessings. Bucky Johnson, flanked by Shiv Aggarwal, his wife Anushi, son Vishal and daughter Vandana lighted the diya (lamp).

In his brief remarks the Mayor said,” I feel happy to be here and to celebrate the Global Mela’s 10th anniversary with you all. Shiv is instrumental in organizing not only this Fair but as Chairman of C.I.D.(Community Improvement District) is helping us with a number of initiatives aimed at improving resident’s quality of life in this area. Lot of interchanges have been improved. A new bridge will be coming on Jimmy Carter Blvd. Beautification and street- scaping will attract more residents as well as tourists in the area. I wish to thank Shiv and his staff for organizing this international event which brings together diverse members of the community to absorb and enjoy the rich culture and heritage of India. My best wishes to you all.

A section of the parking lot was festooned with balloons. Outside, near the entrance to the Mall; the children had plenty of fun and frolic on the giant Gladiator, Spiderman and Speed Pitch inflatables. Added attraction for children was the free ‘pony rides’. Inside the Mall, Ashiana and Global Groceries did a brisk business serving mouthwatering pani-puri, samosas, chat, etc. The visitors were courteously greeted by the Shiv family, Global Mall staff and volunteers. Harvadan Chokshi and Priya manned the Raffles desk, and gave out numerous Prizes every hour round the clock, and on Sunday evening,Mega Prizes of.a flat-screen T/V and a beautiful Saree,and other prizes donated by Global Mall;Ladlee Clothing Boutique and Legacy Jewels respectively. Global Mall and Legacy Jewels had sponsored free popcorn,snowcones cotton candy and fun activities like face painting, balloon artistry, drawing and art-work.Ruby Beauty Salon had set up free mehndi.DJ Bobby and Joe heightened the Mela ambience with throbbing, pulsating music and latest Bollywood chartbusters! The booth vendors selling Indian apparel, jewelry, toys, arts and handicrafts and services like travel,insurance,education, health and medicine, and not-for-profits like Ekal Vidyalaya, Art of Living Foundation,Radha Madhav Society, Gaudiya Vaishnava

 Association,etc.remained busy dealing with the throngs of visitors.Cutural show was an added treat for the visitors! Lively entertainment was provided by a Devotional Group from Hare Rama Hare Krishna; Absolute Fitness; Academy of Kuchipudi Dance; Nritya Natya Kala Bharti,Prem’s Studio of Performing Arts, and Swarnad School of Music, to name a few. The young and talented students of Nritya Natya Kala Bharti who performed a variety of dance and music items choreographed by Kumud and Sandeep Savla, Directors of NNKB, and her daughter Samta Savla,were the dazzling highlight of the Global Mela! Performing on both Saturday and Sunday, the young artists danced to the popular Aaja Nachle, while the senior group danced to Lagi Lagi Milan Dhun Lagi. They also got repeated applause for mesmerizing performances to songs Chale Jaise Hawaein, Main Albeli, and a cool energetic boys Bollywood dance medley starting out with Dhinka Chika. The NNKB music students gave scintillating singing and keyboard performances. Very young artists performed Suhana Safar and Kahin Door Jab on keyboard while vocal group wowed the audience with an Om Shanti Om Medley and latest Bollywood hits. Judo was also a big treat.

Well known and respected Global Mall owner, social activist and philanthropist Shiv Aggarwal commented,” Global Mela is our way of thanking the community for supporting Global Mall and our Indian cultural center. It is my passion, my vision and my goal to make everyone aware of our rich Indian Culture and heritage through such Melas.I would like to thank all the tenants, the vendors and the Raffle-Prizes donors. I wish to thank the media-T.V.Asia;India Tribune;Wownow.com;Atlantadunia;Khabar; NRIPULSE;Jan Darpan;Desh Videsh,Saathee and Garavi Gujarat. My special thanks to Vinod Devlia of Photography by Vinod, for his photography services in recording the entire event;Mayoor Patel and Lynn Rich for ensuring smooth running of the Mela; Global Mall staff and volunteers. Finally, I would like to thank my entire family for their unbounding help and support in organizing this event.I am happy that the attendance at the Mela is increasing each year”
For more information about the Mall and to view photos of the event, please visit www.amsglobalmall.com  or the Facebook Page for Global Mall.