NORWALK: The excelsior auditorium was once again venue of “Punjabi Cultural Night” now an annual event, which was well attended and appreciated by the local community.

It started with the Shabad “Agya Bhai Akal Ki Tabhi Chalayo panth”. Organized by Dr. Rani Dargan under the music direction of Gurpreet Kaur of IGS a group of about 60 children gave impressive performance. Gurpreet herself joined the group only to enhance the performance with her melodious voice.

“Waris desh Punjab de by Randhawa and Herdev Sandhu was then followed by duet dance by Manish and Ravin, Gogia sisters Joyti and Satinder entertained the audience by their solo dances to the popular tunes of “Nach Nach Pa Bhangra and Kudi Kad Ke Kalja Lai Gai.”

“Rail Gaddi” a bhangra performed by Orange County group consisting of 30 kids clad in colorful costumes was greatly applauded by the audience.

Jasmeet, Manmeet presented a group dance “rang hor hor ho gya” then came a unique item presented by Nitasha and Bunita, Sahni sisters, Pop of Bhangra” pot pouri of Indian and western style, audience enjoyed it immensely.

Rimi and Mini, gogia sisters presented a comic skit,

“Amli” audience would have enjoyed it more if the sound system had been better.

“Nach Mudia” another group dance by Orange County Jr. Bhangra Group was followed by a duet dance “nach dian dono sohnian. They indeed lived up to the lyrics of the song, received thundering applause.

Another stirring performance came when Parminder Sukhbir, Sukhi, Neera, Sippi, Upma and Veneeta danced to tune of a popular song, “Sass meri badi kuppati.”

A wonderful dance by Suman Marwah Dil Cheez kya hai aap meri jann lee jiye reflected her dedication to the art.

Pammi appeared in several well liked items. In “Aa kudi i and koka khadwa de he was joined by Mintoo Marwah, but his bhangra dance with Suman Marwah, herself, a popular T.V. and radio artist was wonderful.

A group dance by Shminder, Robinder, Anjeet, Sonia, Randeep and Jaspreet Tootak Tootak Tootiyan was followed by a skit, “Shariyan Di Haveli” directed by Sursh Kapoor who also acted in it. If the sound system was good and the skit was short it could be enjoyed by the people.

Bhangra dancers from Bakersfield presented another enjoyable item of the evening. Tootak Tootak Tootiyan was repeated but this time by another group of three dancers Sandeep, Harpreet and Leena.

A vibrating bhangra dance was presented by six young and radiant girls. Suman, Samita, Sippy, Arbind, Soina and Leena. The costumes the music and the vigor which they danced presented a perfect scene and an open challenge to the boys.

Youth association of southern California presented yet another perfect item, a group dance: Tirshi topi wale, the credit for which goes to Anjalika a talented dancer and choreographer.

Last came Gidha presented under the direction of talented Parminder Kaur who herself performed.

Throughout four and a half hour program MC Jaycee kept people entertained and amused with his jokes and funny monologues. Organizers Mr. and Mrs., Iqbal Sandhu, Vikram Gumman, Parminder Kaur, Pammi, Roger Surinder Singh have every reason to feel proud and satisfied having presented such a wonderful show. Dr. Jasbir Singh one of the organizers pointed out that children who did not care for Punjabi music are now swaying to the popular Punjabi tunes. In his own words, “music and dance are integral part of our rich cultural heritage and it is for us to see that it is passed on to our children.”

Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990