The vibrant colors, rhythms, and traditions of India will come alive at the 6th Annual Festival of India, set to take place on Sept. 21- 22 at the Howard County Fairgrounds.
The festival is organized by the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County, with thousands of people coming together to celebrate the rich diversity of India. It was voted Best Festival of Howard County.
This two-day celebration celebrates Indian culture and heritage with music, art, dance, entertainment, and cuisine available in a family-friendly atmosphere, with entertainment for all ages. Attendance and parking are both free.
The diverse array of traditional and contemporary art forms from India will include classical dance performances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, as well as folk dances like Bhangra and Garba. There will also be live music ranging from soulful classical ragas to energetic Bollywood tunes. Over 300 talented professional dancers, musicians, and artists from the DMV area will be performing at the festival.
The Festival of India will offer shoppers a Bazaar of Indian clothing, jewelry, accessories, handicrafts, and more from vendors up and down the East Coast. This is a great opportunity to get an early start on your shopping for Diwali and other winter holidays! There will be a fashion show on both days of the festival.
Making sure there is food for all to enjoy, the festival promises an array of authentic Indian dishes for attendees to savor. “[F]ood stalls will represent the diverse culinary traditions of different regions, allowing everyone to explore the flavors of India,” reads the press release.
There will also be raffle drawings for travel vouchers, dinner vouchers, and lots of other exciting giveaways will take place throughout the festival.
Festival organizers have also arranged for free flu shots on Sept. 21. Walk-ins are welcome.
“We are thrilled to bring this experience to our community, offering a unique opportunity for people to connect, learn, and enjoy the richness of Indian traditions,” said Sanjay Srivastava, the president of the Indian Cultural Association, in a statement. “From the colorful performances to the exquisite cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Indian Cultural Association of Howard County (ICA) is a non-profit organization, established to bring the diverse communities of Howard County together, celebrate the very best of Indian culture and preserve it for future generations. ICA is engaged in community-building activities designed to build bridges, serve the underprivileged, and feed Howard County families.
“The Festival of India is more than just an event; it is a celebration of community and cultural exchange,” said Dr. Niti Srivastava, the executive director of the Indian Cultural Association of Howard County, in a statement. “It offers a platform for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and appreciate the diversity that Indian culture brings to the global stage. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration and experience the warmth and hospitality of Indian culture firsthand.”
For more information about the 6th Annual Festival of India, please click this link.
