Redmond Indian Association (RIA) deeply regrets to announce that we are unable to organize RIA Diwali this year due to the non-availability of most of our core volunteers who lead various facets of this event. Organizing a large event like Diwali for ~1000 folks requires tremendous planning, dedication and tons of commitment from the volunteer team. This has not been an easy decision for us given how passionate we feel about this event and how it serves as an excellent platform to give back to our wonderful community. We have been pushing the envelope year after year but this year we do not see that happening.
We remain committed to organizing other such events for our community but we need more people to step up and be part of the volunteer team - learn the ropes with extended volunteer team and then take up larger roles subsequently. We owe it to our kids - we need to provide them a platform to understand and appreciate our heritage and traditions. It’s not the responsibility of some but all of us. We would love to have you as a fellow volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and give back to the community. Register for our future events via http://www.redmondindianassociation.org/contact-us.html
Thank you for your understanding and with a heavy heart, RIA wishes you an auspicious Diwali 2015!
We remain committed to organizing other such events for our community but we need more people to step up and be part of the volunteer team - learn the ropes with extended volunteer team and then take up larger roles subsequently. We owe it to our kids - we need to provide them a platform to understand and appreciate our heritage and traditions. It’s not the responsibility of some but all of us. We would love to have you as a fellow volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and give back to the community. Register for our future events via http://www.redmondindianassociation.org/contact-us.html
Thank you for your understanding and with a heavy heart, RIA wishes you an auspicious Diwali 2015!
The 2014 Redmond Indian
Association’s annual Diwali, Festival of lights, truly lit up our
community of Redmond on Saturday 25th October night at Evergreen
Middle School. This festival of lights symbolizes the victory of
righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness – the victory of good over
evil and the glory of light.
This principle held true despite the weather and the difficulties that came from a major power outage. Everyone came together and Diwali, one of the most anticipated, important and glamorous festivals in India, was again a beautiful, bright and enjoyable event. Gov. Jay Inslee was invited, and though unable to attend due to schedule conflicts, graciously wrote “I applaud the Redmond Indian Association (RIA) for sponsoring today’s event. Celebrations like this help us gain a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, other cultures and remind us that diversity is one of our state’s greatest strengths.” State Senator Andy Hill and King County Council Member Kathy Lambert were honored guests and helped to award the RIA’s 2014 Above and Beyond award, given to an organization which has demonstrated the fulfillment of a noble and worthy cause. This year’s recipient was the Sankara Eye Foundation, for their tireless efforts in fighting curable blindness through more than 1.2 million free eye surgeries. The 1000+ audience were kept enthralled for over 2 hours by the fantastic culture show put together by about 150 performers. The performers, mainly kids, had invested over 2 months in preparing for this event. Ramayana - story of Lord Rama, presented in dance & drama format was highly appreciated by everyone. It was an evening to remember with traditional welcome, delicious catered snacks with elaborate dinner, kids’ activities and portrait photographs. The grandeur nature of this event is made possible by an awesome team of volunteers, ticket sales, and sponsorship donations from local businesses which help cover the event costs partially. RIA is thankful to its sponsor donors for their support. Click here to see the complete list of our sponsors. This was a totally completely volunteer driven and not for profit event. |
. Some pics from RIA Diwali 2014
Exclusive Diwali Message for RIA by Mayor John Marchione, City of Redmond.
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