‘Himachali Night’ lights up US city with culture, cuisine & community spirit

The vibrant spirit of Himachal Pradesh came alive at Himachali Night 2025, held in Sunnyvale, California, on Monday. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of heritage, as talented Himachalis from the Bay Area gathered to showcase their pride for their homeland in a spectacular cultural showcase.

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The event began on a solemn and spiritual note with a serene Saraswati Vandana and a traditional Diya lighting ceremony, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the Pahalgam tragedy victims.

Vaishali Sharma, originally from Palampur, curated a dazzling cultural programme that included energetic performances of traditional Himachali dances like Gidda and Nati, alongside a charming skit and Pahari dance presented by local children.

A standout moment of the evening was the fashion show “Embracing Heritage,” a stunning tribute to Himachal’s cultural richness, blending traditional and contemporary styles. The surprise Palki procession, evoking the grandeur of Kullu Dussehra’s Devta dance, brought a wave of nostalgia and joy, captivating both Himachali and non-Himachali attendees alike.

Adding a flavourful touch to the celebration was the authentic Himachali Dham, lovingly prepared by Bhavna Satya, which offered guests a true taste of home.

Kudos to the organising team — Vaishali Sharma, Bhavna Satya, PK Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Parnav Sud, Rashmi Bisht, Sangeeta Thakur and Namrita Yuhana — for flawlessly executing a night that celebrated identity, unity, and cultural pride.