BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Swanee, GA, July 25, 2025: On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the spirit of Delhi came alive thousands of miles away — not on the banks of the Yamuna, but in the heart of Suwanee, Georgia. The Delhi Dil Walo Ki Cultural Festival transformed Peachtree Ridge High School into a kaleidoscope of color, sound, aroma, and memory. It wasn’t just an event — it was a soulful celebration of heritage, history, and heartfelt connections that brought thousands of people together under one sky.
The event captured the essence of India’s capital city — with its chaos and charm, flavors and flair featuring over 60 vendors who showcased vibrant crafts, clothes, and jewels, while renowned restaurants served fragrant, spice-laden delicacies reminiscent of Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place. Folk dances, classical rhythms, Bollywood beats — every performance echoed the heartbeat of Delhi.
At the helm of this extraordinary celebration was Mr. Mustafa Ajmeri, whose dream of bringing Delhi’s soul to Atlanta bloomed into reality through his tireless efforts and the vision of Global Entertainment and Media Services. Partnering with him was Mr. Krishan Goyal of Jashan Events, whose flawless execution turned vision into magic. Their spouses — Kheruben Ajmeri and Mrs. Isha Goyal — stood beside them as pillars of strength and support, joined by an army of dedicated volunteers who worked in harmony like a well-rehearsed orchestra.
Adding elegance and organization to the day was Mrs. Divya Chembath as event coordinator, and Priyanka Mathiyalagan, who brought warmth and efficiency to logistics and community engagement. The cultural soul of the festival was curated by Ms. Ritambhara Mittal, who painted the stage with performances that danced through the many moods and regions of India — from the footwork of Bharatanatyam to the electrifying joy of Bhangra, from soulful folk to high-energy Bollywood.
The venue itself felt like a grand Indian mela. Under Gayatri’s artistic eye from Happy Day Decor, the high school transformed into a vibrant marketplace, brimming with color and charm. Event signage and visuals, created with flair by Shazim Hameed and Amy from Copy Shop, elevated every corner. Nina Hidalgo of Peachtree Ridge High School helped ensure that the space was inviting and seamless for the massive footfall.
The aromas wafting through the air were irresistible — dosa sizzling on hot tawas, steaming plates of idli-sambar, crunchy samosas and ragda patties, mouthwatering vada pav, tangy bhel puri, and pani puri that made you smile with every bite. Indo-Chinese fusion added an edge, while jalebis, kulfi, sugarcane juice, and momos provided the perfect sweet and cool finish. Priced under $6, every dish was accessible, and every bite, a reminder of home.
Every two hours, raffles brought excitement and cheer, and with free entry, the festival remained open-hearted — true to its name Delhi Dil Walo Ki — a celebration for all, by all.
Yet what made this festival truly unforgettable was its soul — the honoring of Atlanta’s Indian-American pioneers. The ceremony was a poignant ode to those who came before, who built the foundations of community life here with grit, vision, and generosity of spirit. Honored guests included Brig. Dinesh Mathur of the Indian Army; Mr. Vir Nanda, a pioneer and former chairman of IACA; Mr. Jitubhai Patel, founder and first president of Gujarati Samaj Atlanta; Mrs. Madhulika (Madhu) Kumar, wife of Gp. Capt. Ravi Kumar (IAF); Mr. Rajabhai (Raja Lulla), founder of Texas Sari Sapne, Atlanta’s first Indian sari and clothing store; Ms. Geeta Mehrotra, motivational speaker, author, and CEO of Sadhu Vaswani Center; South Indian film actor and activist Mr. Vijay Vishwa; and Bollywood celebrity makeup artist Mr. Sahil Shaikh.
Their presence served as a bridge between generations — honoring the past while inspiring the future. As participant Meghana Naik reflected: “What touched me most wasn’t just the food or fun — it was seeing our community’s pioneers finally honored. Their quiet dedication and legacy still guide and inspire us.”
Behind every performance, every food stall, every smiling child in ethnic wear, was the work of passionate volunteers who gave their time and heart to the event. Among them were Sujith Kannan and the spirited SIA Events team — Priya, Alagammai, Vidya, Sowmi, and Payal — along with Anwar Ajmeri, Milind Bavadekar, and Tanvi Ghangrekar. The cultural coordination and behind-the-scenes logistics were further made possible by dedicated individuals like Jairaj, Nimesh Sevak, Asha Gupta, Ranjeeta, Anshika, and Praful. Countless student volunteers added youthful energy and enthusiasm, proving that service has no age limit.
The event was lovingly dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Sunita Bhandari — a woman whose light continues to shine through the lives she touched. In her honor, Mr. Kapil Bhandari and his family, in partnership with the Nirankari Mission, hosted a blood drive — turning remembrance into impact.
The festival’s success also rested on the generous support of community sponsors and partners. Special gratitude was extended to Dr. Naresh Parikh and Dr. Asha Parikh of Georgia Clinic, Paddy and Chandler Sharma, Ricky Walia of Walia Hospitality, Nisha Agarwal of Tanishq Atlanta, Topaz Tours, Bhindi Jewelers, Rohil Virani of Welcome Fuels, Vani Ghanate of DhoomDB, Patel Brothers, Jay Shah the restaurateur, and all other vendors and sponsors whose support made this dream possible.
In the end, Delhi Dil Walo Ki was more than a festival. It was a mirror reflecting the colors of our roots and the strength of our diaspora. It was a reminder that even far from home, the spirit of Delhi — generous, joyful, and full of heart — lives on in Atlanta. And as music echoed into the summer evening and children twirled in ghagras and kurtas, one thing was certain: this celebration had left its mark on every heart it touched.
