MARLBOROUGH, MA- Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) of America, held its annual Hindu Heritage Day on May 16 in Marlborough, MA. The event is organized by VHPA every year in an effort to unite Hindus around the world and instill devotion to the Hindu way of life, cultivate self-respect and respect for all people, and establish a truly global Hindu network, organizers said in a statement.Charlie Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Mr. Arthur Vigeant, Mayor of the City of Marlborough, proclaimed Saturday, the 16th of May 2015, as “Hindu Heritage Day.”
The event also attracted a 29 vendors and exhibitors to its Mela. There were a total of approximately 215 participants in the cultural program. The guest of honor, Harish Dang and Binita Dang were invited to the stage along with the founder of VHPA, Dr. Mahesh Mehta, and the President of VHPA, Dr. Abhaya Asthana to light the lamp amid the recitation of the Deepa Stutihi to open the cultural program.
The Dangs were later facilitated on behalf of the New England Hindu Community by Dr. ABhaya Asthana, President VHPA and Sanjay Kaul, Convener Hindu Heritage Day Mela and presented “Samskriti Saurabh Samman” for their exemplary vision, dedication, spirituality and devotion in service of the community. The Dangs started the popular radio program “Sounds of India,” over 40 years ago to serve the then Indian population of approximately 1,000 families. Along the way, they have hosted hundreds of guests and have been instrumental in bringing mega events to the area. They continue to promote Indian culture and heritage by sharing music and providing complimentary advertising to the non-profit organizations.
Twenty eight Boston area schools of music and dance masters participated in the cultural program. The theme of this year’s cultural program was Parivartan or change. There were 13 dance programs, 3 skits, 5 vocal and instrumental musical programs, and 3 songs in the cultural program. The three emcees, Tanu Basu, Sanjay Kaul, and Kunjuvihari Kashilkar kept the audience engaged.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America is a non-profit national social, cultural, and educational organization.