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by Utkarsha Khanolkar
I
came to Denver about three year's back and found that there were
not many Indians around and we used to get startled and pleasantly
surprised if we see somebody accidentally in a store. But now
in past two years the Indian community is increasing very rapidly
because of the growing opportunities in Denver. Most of the community
is in Software Consulting. There is an Indian
Association in Denver and they organize a variety of cultural
programs that are quite amusing and really take you near India.
Initially we found three Indian restaurant in Denver and now there
are about 7 in Denver and the surrounding suburbs. Some of them
have branches not only in Denver but all over the U.S.A., which
is really amazing... What we normally know about Indian music
is Pt. Ravishankar and his mesmerizing sitar... but there is obviously
much more in Indian music, not only it's classical style but Indian
music does have Rock, Pop and even Disco. And last but not least,
the Legend Lata Mangeshkar and her divine voice whose name is
in Guinness Book of World Records for singing the maximum number
of songs in the world.
There are Indian stores around in Denver and you can get a variety
of Indian spices and sweets as well as Indian movies and music.
These stores also carry some specific Indian vegetables and fruits.
Festivals are an integral part of life for every Indian and they
have traditional ways to celebrate these festivals. These festivals
are celebrated according to the Indian calendar. Many of these
festivals are also celebrated here in Denver. For example, there
is a festival called Navratri, which is celebrated in the western
part of India and also celebrated in Denver on a grand scale.
This festival is open to public and it is mostly conducted in
the month of October. Another festival I would like to mention
is Dipavali, a festival of lights. It is the biggest festival
of the year and you will be amazed at the people's enthusiasm
during this time in India. This is one of the festivals that are
celebrated by all casts and communities and religion. This festival
runs for four days and is celebrated in Denver by many Indian
organizations. It is open to public. There are some south Indian
festivals, which are celebrated in temples in Denver and so on.
Cricket is the game that India has inherited from the English
people and now is in the heart of every Indian, somewhat like
football in America. Indians in Denver have not forgotten about
these feelings and they have formed Cricket teams in Denver and
surrounding cities. Every summer they have matches between them
and party afterward. I would say this is the way of getting together
and have fun and enjoy life.
Once I was in an Indian restaurant and there was this American
gentleman sitting behind me with his friends. I overheard his
conversation about his visit to India. He was telling his friends
about his visit and was so overwhelmed and so lost in telling
his unique experiences. He said that the people in India are so
nice and kind and so helpful that he was very impressed by their
hospitality. He was going on and on and on and I was so thrilled
to hear that. On another occasion, there was this lady I met once
and she was telling me about the exquisite temples and how the
stone carving on them impressed her. The jewelry and the quality
of silk you get in India also fascinated her.
In the past three years there are lot of changes in the Indian
community and their activities in Denver and around Denver. If
you are interested in Indian society and their culture, festivals
and food around Denver then I am sure that this web site is the
fastest way to get the information and it will definitely help
you.
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