Feeling the Heat

The sultry Delhi summer sun has taken another unlikely victim. This time it is a religiously celebrated Indo-US diplomatic tradition. Celebrations for the US National Day,which are annually held on July 4,at the Roosevelt House lawns on Shanti Path,were preponed for the first time this year due to the harsh July sun. The most important day of the American political calendar was celebrated last Friday,clubbed with the President’s Day. “The sun makes us all sappy in July,so we felt it was best to enjoy this day in February,” says Gregory D Aurit,assistant information officer,US Embassy.

On Friday afternoon,the Roosevelt House was soaked in American colours,as miniature National flags fluttered in the breeze and smell of American barbecues wafted through the air. A Blues singer and pianist crooned patriotic American numbers and US ambassador Timothy J Roemer socalised with guests. “This year,we will have a quiet celebration on July 4. Depending on the weather,we will decide for next year too,” adds Aurit. An annual feature,President’s day is celebrated in the month of February each year and the date varies. This year,it falls on February 21.