India-West Staff ReporterTORRANCE, CA – The spirit of freedom, culture, and community came alive at Jai Ho 2025, the annual Indian Independence Day celebration hosted by the Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple & Religious Academy. Now in its third consecutive year, the event drew a massive number of attendees from across Southern California.Guests were greeted by a grand tri-colored entrance, setting the tone for a day of festivities. A 36-foot-wide stage, adorned with a “Jai Ho &nda...
India-West Staff Reporter
TORRANCE, CA – The spirit of freedom, culture, and community came alive at Jai Ho 2025, the annual Indian Independence Day celebration hosted by the Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple & Religious Academy. Now in its third consecutive year, the event drew a massive number of attendees from across Southern California.
Guests were greeted by a grand tri-colored entrance, setting the tone for a day of festivities. A 36-foot-wide stage, adorned with a “Jai Ho – Embracing Diversity” backdrop, served as the centerpiece for the celebration. The grounds buzzed with food stalls, local business vendors, a Kids Zone featuring a giant obstacle course, and cultural showcases catering to all ages.
The stage program highlighted India’s rich diversity through a mix of patriotic and non-patriotic performances. One standout moment came from the Shakti School of Bharatanatyam, founded by Viji Prakash, whose exquisite performance captured the essence of Indian tradition and earned a standing ovation from the audience.
The patriotic segment culminated in a vibrant state-wise parade, with participants proudly representing their Indian states. This seamlessly transitioned into the Jai Ho theme dance performed by the temple’s Executive Committee, energizing the crowd in anticipation of the flag-hoisting ceremony.
The ceremony began with a Scout-led exchange of the Indian and American flags, followed by the rendering of the American and Indian national anthems, filling the air with pride and marking the spirit of Independence Day.
Executive committee president Venkatraman Gopalan welcomed dignitaries, city officials from Torrance and Palos Verdes, and community leaders. Temple chairman Narasimhacharya Cherukupally updated attendees on the construction progress of the temple’s permanent home, acquired last year. Board member Madhu Chanani introduced city officials and the board, requesting the Mayor of Torrance to recognize August 15th as India Independence Day in the city calendar—a proposal the Mayor said he would review.
Cultural Coordinator Kavitha Venkatraman emphasized the event’s role in connecting Indian American children with their heritage, noting, “Indian history is not taught in U.S. schools, so it is our responsibility to preserve and pass on our legacy to the next generation.”
The celebration featured a dynamic mix of performances, from patriotic songs and classical dances to lively Bollywood numbers, with children and families joining in on stage, creating moments of joyful spontaneity throughout the day.
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