Thousands of Indian diaspora members enthusiastically gathered at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, on Sunday for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s highly anticipated community event 'Modi and US'.
As per reports, over 25,000 attendees registered for the 13,000 available seats. The event saw over 500 community organisations from over 40 states joining as 'Welcome Partners' within 48 hours of the registration opening, reported ANI.
Jagdish Sewhani, a member of the event organising committee, told ANI that the event was "historical" and like "celebrating Diwali". "As many as 15,000 Indian diaspora have come here in New York from 42 different states. More than 500 artists will perform. This is an Indian Prime Minister's first visit to Long Island in 75 years. The Mayor of Nassau County is excited to welcome the most popular leader," he added.
Dhol-Tasha and Yakshagana
A celebratory mood enveloped the Coliseum as Indian nationals prepared to perform traditional dance forms and martial arts for the event. While performers from the Jallosh Dhol-Tasha group represented the Indian state of Maharashtra, Kannadigas announced their participation with a 'Yakshagana' performance. Members of the Indian diaspora belonging to Tamil Nadu are set to perform the traditional musical instrument 'Parai'.
Another group performed Mallakhamb, an acrobatic activity that originated in Maharashtra. The acrobats hope that the opportunity will help promote Mallakhamb as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport. Group members from Telangana, Bihar, and Gujarat are also performing traditional dances.
The events will be part of 'Echoes of India: A Journey of Art and Tradition' which will feature close to 400 nationally and internationally known artists, including Grammy award nominee Chandrika Tandon, STAR Voice of India winner Aishwarya Majumdar, Instagram's Dancing Dad Ricky Pond and singing sensation Rex DSouuza.
Sai Sagar Patnaik, the Director of the cultural show, said that the programme would be a celebration of India's diversity. "Just like our Welcome Partners and attendees, the programme celebrates India's diversity with dances and music from the four corners of India and everything in between," Patnaik told ANI.
Meanwhile, PM Modi had earlier shared pictures of his meeting with members of the Indian diaspora, stating he was eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city.
PM Modi arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sunday to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations. The Prime Minister will chair key bilateral meetings in New York during the visit.