Vibrant costumes, music, dance and authentic Indian cuisine come together to celebrate Indian culture on a grand scale at the free IndiaFest Milwaukee, Saturday, August 15th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Humboldt Park.
“There is no better way to learn about Indian culture,” said Purnima Nath, President of Spindle India, the event’s organizer and producer. “We are weaving happiness as we bring people together through collaboration. Our goal is to weave India’s colorful cultural threads into the rich multicultural tapestry of American culture.”
The daylong event opens with a welcome ceremony observing the 69th Independence Day of India. The ceremony will feature a children’s parade, flag hoisting, and patriotic songs. Music and dance performances will illustrate the diversity of culture in the Indian states.
Later in the day, an “East Meets West” fusion performance by world-renowned sitarist Indrajit Banerjee and modern guitar virtuso Fareed Haque will offer contrast to the non-stop foot-tapping of the popular Bollywood songs by the group Lotus. This year will introduce Wisconsin Indian Singing Idol, a singing competition for local performers.
Foods available at the festival will range from dosas, similar to crepes or pancakes, to chaats, savory snacks often sold from food carts in India, to biriyanis, rice-based dishes with vegetables or chicken.
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Additional vendors will offer unique products and services including colorful exotic arts, costumes, and jewelry to temporary hand-painted Henna designs. A photo booth will give visitors the opportunity to have their pictures taken with settings of popular Indian landmarks as keepsakes of their IndiaFest tour.
For the flavor of the festival, visit IndiaFestMilwaukee.org.
