The event was blessed with Lord Bhikhubhai Parekh as the Chief Guest, Paul Johnson, the Deputy High Master of MGS, Jyotsanaben Shah from Asian Voice/Gujarat Samachar and Mukund Jobanputra, chairman of Manchester Bhavan amongst many others.
Lord Parekh emphasised the depth of Indian culture and sanskar beyond just the entertainment. There were captivating performances by Sitar maestro Gaurav Mazumdar and tabla by Kaushik Sen. Excellent prayer was sung by Bhavan music teacher Rakesh Joshi, an excellent explanation of Shiva Tandam given by Bhavan dance teacher Prajyoti Madhusudan and a thoroughly entertaining Bollywood dance medley by Bhavan Bollywood dance teacher Sharmistha! Manchester Bhavan students won everyone's hearts with mini-chat show about Bhavan activities, and excellent classical, Bhangra, Dandiya and Bollywood dances!
The event was supported by local communities, State Bank of India, Mr Harshad Mehta of Rosy Blue Diamonds, Jobanputra family, Sai Spice Restaurant, Mina Travels and ASM Indian supermarket among others. All the Bhavan management committee members including Pravin Joshi, Alka Rauniar (Program Committee Chair), Chetna Shah, Kamleshbhai Rajput, Malan Kaushal, Avni Vyas and Raju Hindocha played a great voluntary role in organising and running the event.
The event was conducted in a lively and well-informed manner by Dr Keyur Buch, the Chairman of Bhavan Culture Promotion Committee. It was heartwarming to see the Bhavan volunteers Gauri Paralikar, Bharati Hindocha, Dr Kamal Rauniar teaming up with volunteers of the National Hindu Students Forum. Excellent original artwork was displayed as special Diwali decoration by Kunjal Buch.
The audience left after a sumptuous dinner wanting more of the same for next Diwali. Saal Mubarak to all from Manchester Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
