by Priya Parul Singh (11254, 99998 96168)
What an action-packed festive season it has been! After a groovy Dandiya night, all of us looked forward to Diwali Mela & we were so not disappointed! It, infact, turned out to be a tremendous one. Delicacies, entertainment, photo-ops & shopping – all bases were covered! The mela was named Diwali Utsav & took place on the weekend of 15-16 October 2022 in the amphitheatre & the gardens. While there are food, game and merchandise kiosks every year, this year, it seemed their number & quality had increased. Many Hamletians went berserk shopping & lightening their wallets! But I want to point out the three standouts that really caught my eye:
Music & Dance performances by AOH residents & by artists was a first. The inhouse singers absolutely stole the show! The Falcons, a musical band of AOH kids, had its first performance during the Utsav. Their performance was nothing short of brilliant. Anupama Malhotra & her musicians played Bollywood Music & kept Hamletians on their toes for hours together. Anwar Khan Langa & his Rajasthani Folk Music Troupe set the mood with their soulful music.
The décor was glorious this year! The pic taken from above left many of us oohing & aahing.
The large screen was a good idea as it gave a closer look to everyone. Chatter on the AOH WhatsApp groups over the next couple of days made it amply clear that residents had absolutely loved the Diwali Utsav.
The last two years have been bittersweet. As we emerge stronger from the pandemic, the Diwali Utsav gave us a platform to come together & celebrate happiness.
Hats off & thank you to the organisers, the event company, the vendors, and the facilities staff & security!
