GRACEFUL: Dancers perform one of the traditional dances during the dinner.
MIRI: The Miri Indian Association (MIA) had recently organised a dinner to celebrate a combination of Indian new year festivities.
Owing to the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of India, the festival is celebrated in different times of the year at different places.
According to MIA president Karambir Singh, there are about 10 different new year celebrated across India such as ‘Vishu’ celebrated by the Malayalis, ‘Puthandu’ celebrated by the Tamils, ‘Baisakhi’ celebrated by the Punjabis and ‘Ugadi celebrated in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
“The unique celebration, which is in the fifth year running this year, first started in 2007. The combined celebration not only highlights the rich culture of the Indian community but it is also a great avenue to promote racial harmony through 1Malaysia,” he said.
He thanked the committed and hardworking members as well as supporters from other communities for making this year’s celebration a success.
“We are so happy to see many friends from all the communities joining us to celebrate our New Year. This can strengthen our bond and instil the spirit of togetherness,” he said, adding that such event to develop inter-racial harmony has a positive impact on the society.
He urged all Indians in Miri to be united and work together for the community’s benefits.
A host of activities, including dance performances of various regional languages and fashion show that depicts the cultural and traditional costumes from various regions in India, were showcased at the dinner.
The highlights of the celebration were the Desi Bride 2011, showing five Indian brides from five different states, and Asian Bride 2011, showcasing the perfect brides from three different countries.
Also present at the dinner was Pro-Vice chancellor of Curtin University, Sarawak Professor Ian Kerr.