Music, Folk Traditions By Indian Americans Precede Modi Speech

LONG ISLAND, NY (ANI) – The Nassau Coliseum here, transformed into a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culture as Indian artists took the stage ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Modi and US” event. The cultural showcase, which drew a crowd of over 13,500 people, featured a blend of traditional and contemporary performances that highlighted the diversity of India’s heritage.

The supershow reached its peak with performances by renowned artists Devi Sri Prasad, Hanumankind, and Aditya Gadhvi. Aditya Gadhvi energized the audience with his hit track “Khalasi,” while hip-hop artist Hanumankind impressed the crowd with his dynamic performance. This marked the first time these stars performed together, adding to the excitement of the evening.

Traditional performances also took center stage. A group of artists performed ‘Yakshagana,’ a folk dance from Karnataka and Kerala, while members of the Tamil diaspora played the ‘Parai,’ a traditional drum from Tamil Nadu. Outside the venue, attendees were treated to a demonstration of Mallakhamb, an acrobatic sport that originated in Maharashtra. Jaydev Anata of the Mallakhamb Federation US noted, “We are promoting Mallakhamb in the USA as an acrobatic and gymnastic sport with the objective of getting it into the Olympics.”

Adding to the cultural richness, artists performed the classical dance form Kathak from Uttar Pradesh, an Assamese folk song, and a Gujarati song, each representing distinct regions of India. The performances were a testament to India’s diversity, with over 500 artists coming together to create a memorable evening for the Indian diaspora and international attendees alike.

The event set the stage for Prime Minister Modi’s much-anticipated “Modi and US” address, with the performances serving as a powerful reminder of India’s vast cultural legacy.