By Ritu Jha-
The devastating Southern California fires have forced many to postpone the Hindu festival of Pongal and Makar Sankranti, as local Indian restaurants and community organizations are stepping up to support first responders battling the flames.
Several Indian restaurants collaborated to provide meals for first responders at Hansen Dam, which is under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Gaurav Bhargava, who led the initiative, said the group prepared food to feed around 800 officers working to contain the fire.
Bhargava, a businessman and head of the United Indian American Association, said the team donated meals to the first responders and police officers who have been fighting the Altadena fire. Officers have been stationed in the area since Jan. 7, and residents have not been allowed to return to Altadena, where the fire was only 15% contained.
“I saw smiles on their faces, and they enjoyed the Indian food,” Bhargava said. “This is our community’s way of showing gratitude.”
Due to restrictions, the group was unable to visit Altadena directly. Instead, they donated food to the Hindu Temple & Heritage Foundation in Pasadena, which is also supporting fire-affected communities in the area.
When asked about how the collaboration with local restaurants came about, Bhargava said that while the situation across Los Angeles has been grim, restaurant owners were quick to lend a hand.
“They are like friends, and they agreed,” he said, mentioning restaurants such as Natraj Cuisine, Cali Chili, Sattva India, Radhika India, New Delhi Palace, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Cali Chilli restaurant owner Praveen Nair and his partner Imthiaz Sheriff told indica, “Yes we did our bit to support the personnel working tirelessly to bring things under control. We cooked and carried a combo meal of salad, Butter Chicken, Rice & Nan bread for non-vegetarians and replaced with paneer for the vegetarian Cali Chilli.”
As of the latest report from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the fire has killed at least 24 people and spread across 40,500 acres. The fire has also destroyed more than 12,300 structures. Officials have warned that conditions could worsen, and the blaze has now moved into Ventura County.
Many local residents, including those at the Malibu Hindu Temple, have been forced to evacuate. Devi Inampudi, the temple manager, told indica that the sheriff ordered an immediate evacuation on Jan. 11.
“We moved out and are staying at a friend’s place. We’re not yet allowed to go back, so it’s sad we can’t celebrate the festival as planned,” she said. Inampudi hopes to celebrate next week once it is safe to return.
In Pasadena, Namaste Spiceland restaurant owner Prajwal Sapkota expressed relief that his business was spared but noted that the fire’s impact on the surrounding area is already being felt.
“We were just one mile away from the Altadena fire, but the freeway between us and Altadena saved us,” Sapkota said. “The business is down, and it will be a while before things return to normal. Many houses in Altadena have burned down, and that will affect our business as well.”
Meanwhile, the India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) is also supporting fire-affected communities. President Sunil Agarwal said the association is focusing on helping shelters and first responders in the hardest-hit areas.
“Right now, the most important thing is whatever help the shelters and firefighters need, we are doing that,” he said.
Agarwal added that many local businesses have been forced to close due to the fire and poor air quality. The IALA is also offering shelter at the India Community Center in Simi Valley for anyone impacted by the fire.
As the community works to support those affected, thousands are waiting to return to their homes as the fire continues. Strong winds forecast for early this week could again spread the fire.
