Indian 'Mela' attracts thousands in NJ

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">What do you get when you put together 10,000 Indians, ethnic merchandise, <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">desi</span> food, <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mehndi </span>stalls and <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">dhol </span>beats -- A resplendent Indian <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mela</span>, 2004.<br /><br />The Indo-American Fair 2004 (Indian <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mela</span>), organised by Shirdi Sai Dham, Inc (a non-profit religious and cultural organisation) on September 18 and 19, 2004 at Mercer County Park, New Jersey was testimony to the euphoria Indian festivals still garner abroad.<br /><br />The <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mela </span>showcased the rich culture of India with costume jewellery, handicrafts, ethnic dresses, fashion wear, <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mehndi </span>and sumptuous Indian foods.<br /><br />A fusion of Western and Indian music kept the tempo high with music by DJs of the Tri-State and <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Dhol </span>by famous Madi.Songs and ghazals by <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Desi </span>Talent including Bela Bhatt, Anurag Varde, Nikhil Bhat, etc stole the hearts of the audience.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal">There were also dances from various regions of India including dances by Riya Yadav - an upcoming child artist.<br /><br />But it was the Fashion Show, organised by Dulhan Expo and Sai Fashions that dominated the Mela. Kulraaj Anand and Guru of EBC Radio hosted the program.<br /><br />The event saw leading names as sponsors including L''Oreal, www.remit2india.com, Dish Network, EBC Radio, TV Asia, Guardian Life Insurance. More than 35 business houses advertised in the brochure to mark the occasion. Arvind Agrawal, Chairman and Alka Agrawal, CEO of EBC Radio 1680 AM were the Guests of Honor.<br /><br />The <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mela </span>aimed at endorsing and rekindling the magic of the Indian heritage and culture. The exotic Indian food from Mehfil Indian cuisine, Udipi Village, Vasanta Bhawan, Masti - The Indian Cuisine, Kulfi from Quick Foods, and Chai Pe reminded the true culture and taste of India.<br /><br />Vendors from many US States and important cities including Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Long Island, New Jersey and many others States came to participate in the Fair. A few vendors from Canada and India also joined in the celebrations.</div> </div>