By: Dr. N.S. Bajwa YUBA CITY,CA: A regal peacock a domed one side of a colorfully decorated state, seeming almost ready to break into a fanciful dance. But dancingon thestage were the young women & men, multipara’ and “gabhroos’ of Northern California, Sounds of beautiful folk music filled the air, A rainbow of colors women and children wearing pretty dresses floated around in crowds, Samosas, Kulchacholas and pakoras were being served and savored by all including a large contingent of non-Punjabis, Last but not the least, there was free Punjabi tea served by the Gurdwara. Such were the sights and sounds of the first Punjabi mela in Yuba City. Yuba Sutter area. “Little Punjab” of California hosted the festival which ‘was unique not only in its magnitude but also in recreating the true “mela” atmosphere.
Events kicked off at noon with the US. National Anthem followed by “Deh Shivah Wormhole.” Then followed songs, skits and many dances bhangras & giddha performed by youngsters from not only the local Schools and college but also teams from San Jose State University, U.C. Davis and Punjabi Cultural Society of Bay Area.
While all this was going on outside inside the Expo Hall people enjoyed a slide show on Punjabi history and culture, a video movie on the history of Sikhs of Northern California was also shown every two hours.
Back outside huge crowds satin the grass under the shade of trees or stood around the stage enjoying the music feet tapping to the tunes of Chan Mere Makhana,Raahe Raahe Jaan Walleye, Dupatta Tera Sat Rang Da. Included in the list of performers were Jazzy B & Boyz of Canada, Eshara group of U.K. & Mangal Singh of U.K. The final half hour of the show was marred by technical problems, still the crowds went away happy with the experience. The teenagers were especially disappointed at having missed the But he left with promises of making a return trip soon.
Dr. Jasbir §. Kang, a spokesman for the Punjabi American Heritage Society, the sponsors of the mela were very pleased at the outcome, calling it a resounding success. “Our goal: namely, that of exposing the local American community, the young Punjabi children to our culture and way of life; and to bring the entire community together in a fun event have been achieved.” Dr. Tejinder Ghuman, President of the society said, “Such melas should be done on an annual basis to keep our rich and proud heritage alive. I also wish to thank the entire focal community Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and non-Punjabis who contributed wholeheartedly,” The organizers estimated the attendance to be more than 10 thousands.
Participants alone numbered more than 200.
As darkness set in on this beautiful day, the sound of dhol still seemed to echo in the fairgrounds gently fading waiting for thunderous return in the Spring of 1996with another burst of color, mirth, and music.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 2, 1995
