News Notes Cary Diwali Photos: courtesy HumSub
The year 2021 dawned with hopes of seeing the end of the pandemic for most of the world. The Hum Sub executive team, too, was left wondering, “will we”, “wont we?” Was a 2021 Cary Diwali going to happen? Through the months leading into the summer, it was an open question. The team kept its options open, working on a Plan B (virtual event), while waiting with any positive signal from the Town of Cary. As soon as the long-awaited nod came, the team rolled up its sleeves and got to work. The word was out - Cary Diwali 2021 was happening, but it would be a scaled down event. Applications for performing in the cultural segment were rolled out and auditions soon got underway. Vendor spots, albeit limited in number, were grabbed with the same alacrity as in past years. However, “The Question” remained. Who Saathee.com
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would be the evening headliner performer? Bringing in a big name from overseas was not going to be possible. Hum Sub turned its lens inward, into the community. A local production company, 4D Entertainment, stepped up to the plate to perform a Bollywood-style storyline interspersed with some old and new favorites, supported by the talented dancers of two popular Triangle-area dance schools. Just as Team 2021 thought they had this nailed and things were on track, the weatherman came-a-calling. The prediction for Oct 9, 2021, was a chilling “90% rain”! Oh no! Questions started pouring into Hum Sub’s social media platform, “Was it on”? “Rain or shine, the show must go on,” declared Hum Sub president and it did! It was a sight to see colorful umbrellas pop up intermittently as a crowd of 5000 plus turned up at the Koka Booth Amphitheater for yet another edition of Cary Diwali. The grounds were wet and slushy but that did not deter folks from splashing their way across the open field to reach the vendor booths and pick up bargains or a bite of that never-fails-to-satiate samosas! And the roar that rose from the crowd as the fireworks started to mark the end of the celebrations just proved that there was just no “scale down” of the enthusiasm of the community. Cary Diwali 2021 was presented by HumSub on Saturday, October 9, 2021. This year’s theme was “Vihaan – New Beginnings.” Vihaan is Sanskrit for “Dawn” and symbolizes the beginning of a post-pandemic world. Cary Diwali is an annual event and it celebrates India’s rich culture and heritage. The event was held at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC. Learn more about Cary Diwali and other cultural events at Humsub.org. November 2021
