San Jose Punjabi Mela

Sunday, June 29, 2008.

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Evergreen Valley College
3095 Yerba Buena Road
San Jose, California
(see below for map & directions)

FREE ADMISSION

FREE Health Fair from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be an abundance of family activities to choose from, including over 40 sponsored booths, plentiful food, exciting entertainment and shopping. Not to mention the bhangra (punjabi dance) competitions, local/international celebrities and performers and sports tournaments.

Soccer and basketball tournaments will be held on Saturday - June 28th.
The popular Kabbadi tournaments will be on Sunday - June 29th.

Please Check Out Our Blog for Updates!

SCHEDULE

The following times and schedule are estimates and subject to change to accommodate our many performers and guests:

Booths Set Up Starts                                7:00

Mela Opens                                            9:00

Program on Main Stage Opens                 9:30

Children Bhangra, Gidha, Thira              9:45 - 10:45

Adult Bhangra, Gidha, Bolyian                10:45 -  12:45
       Feature Performers: Nachda Punjab Modesto, San Jose De Ghabroo, Jattian Punjab Diyaan, Simar Singh, Bhangra Group Dance,  Post Office Group Bolyian, Desi Boys, Gabhroo Punjab De SFO Diyan Kudian, Teara Punjab De, Heera Punjab De, Dhol Di Awaz

Free Health Fair                                    12:00 - 04:00

Kabaddi                                                 12:00 - 06:00

Physicians, Religious, 
Guests, & Sponsors                                 12:45 - 01:45

Local Musicians                                      1:45 - 5:00
            Gaunda Punjab, Punjabian Di Shan, Rajesh Raju, Sukhvir S. Sukh,
            Jeeta Jat, Lucky Singh, Kewal Sachdev, Alka Bhatnager

International Musician
           Inderjit Nikku                              5:00 - 6:30

Final Program                                         6:30

Closing                                                   7:00

What is a mela?

Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘gathering’. It is used in the Indian subcontinent for all sizes of gathering and can include different aspects of cultural and sports. In rural traditions, melas or village fairs were (and in some cases still are) of great importance. This led to their export around the world by the Indian communities wishing to bring something of that tradition to their new countries. For many, it is a wide intercultural festival incorporating music, dance, foot and other aspects of mainstream culture. {cite Wikipedia}

The San Jose Punjabi Mela is a world class event celebrating the diverse culture of Northern California. With over 10,000 people attending every year, This event has become the largest Mela festival in San Jose. The event is presented by the Indo-American Senior Center of San Jose, and collaborated with Evergreen Valley College and the San Jose/Evergreen Valley Community College District.

Come out and enjoy the festivities with your community!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email: info@sanjosemela.com