Ground Report

The second Annual Kashmir Hindu Heritage Day was held in South Florida on December 7, 2013 organized by ‘Preserve Our Heritage’ wing of ‘Kashmir Hindu Foundation, Inc.’, with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, the event showcased a window to the aesthetically charming valley of Kashmir through visual images by prominent Kashmiri artistes. It also sought to create awareness of the traditional Kashmiri Hindu culture, art and cuisine.

A special feature of this year’s event was to deliver an important message of unity in diversity, by presenting breathtaking performances of ‘Salsa kings’ offering South American and Cuban Style dancing, ‘Remeeded & Anointed Vessels’ ,an African American Dance group and ‘Rouf’ a traditional Kashmiri dance,. participants being not only grandmothers but even grand children.

Handing down the certificate of recognition amid traditional Shankh Naad (the sound of conch), the North Miami Mayor, Lucie Tondreau said, “It is so wonderful to witness Kashmiri Hindu culture as well as the diverse Hispanic and African American culture. We need to learn from each other’s unique traditions of culture,art and cuisine”. She applauded the cultural director Chandrmukhi Ganju of “Preserve our Heritage” for the initiative to promote Kashmiri Hindu Culture globally

Praising the sponsors of the event, US Congresswoman, Frederica Wilson, in a message said, “As you reflect on your history, celebrate your culture and share your traditions, take pride in your contributions to South Florida’s uniqueness and its reputation as one of the most culturally diverse communities in the country.”