Press Release
HOUSTON, TEXAS, January 14, 2009: The annual Makar Sankranti and kite flying festival saw a high turnout of Indian Americans in the Houston area, considering the cold temperature and the stiff wind that took the mercury to near freezing on Sunday, January 11, at the George Bush Park in far west Houston. This is the biggest event organized by the VHP of America-Houston which also conducts an annual Youth Camp. There was plenty of free food for all (prepared by several households and organizations) and loads of outdoor fun — kite-flying, cricket, volleyball, kabaddi. Nearly 3,000 men, women and children showed up for the Sankranti festival that is celebrated along with the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, the monk who first set foot in America in 1893 and introduced Sanatan Dharma to the West. “Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious festivals of Hindu Americans. It has astrological and religious significance,” said Pravin Vyas, president of VHP-A. I was excited and happy to see so many people at one place and having fun under the open sky.”
More Makar Sankranti reports are:
GOrakhpur: http://hamaraphotos.com/news/national/porridge-festival-celebrated-in-gorakhpur.html