On November 7, 2010, Houghton Shakha celebrated “Diwali Prabhat”. This was the first HSS event in Michigan Tech, Houghton and it was a grand success.Almost 70 students and few faculty members came to attend this program. We were expecting somewhere 40-45 number of people, However almost double that number showed up during the actual event.

Preparations started two weeks prior to the event date. We planned a small skit, a classical “Maifil” and poem reading sessions. We sent out an invitations though an email for the program to most of the Indian students and Indian origin faculty members. We also ordered Diwali special food products from Madison, Wisconsin. We conducted an event in a community hall of a residential area in Houghton. One day prior to the event, we decorated a hall with “AkaashDiyas ” (some of the AkaashDiyas were made by us) and small “candle Diyas” .

On the day of event, we started a program at 8.00 AM. Almost of all of the invited people showed up by this time. We started an event with “Laxmi Pooja” and Iteration of “Sri-Sookta” by one Swayamsewak. Then we had “Sarawati- Vandana”. This was followed by a skit which had a mixed (comedy + serious) plot. It was based on a current job scenario for International Students in US. After that, classical musical program and poem reading session was conducted. It was a musical retreat. I then explained the motive behind this event and spread a word about HSS, Houghton Shakha Activities, Hindu Yuva etc. This event really helped to publicize the Houghton Shakha activities. We then ended an event with “Vande Mataram”. After the programs, Diwali Special Food (Laddu, Chakalis, Puri etc.) and a hot cup of tea were distributed. There was also an exhibition of drawings, photos which everyone appreciated while having refreshments.

Overall, this program and the way in which it was organized, was much appreciated by all; especially by those who were attending HSS program for first time. I am sharing a picasa link of this program. Please find a time to go through it.

http://picasaweb.google.com/nikhil.ajotikar/DiwaliPrabhat?feat=directlink