It will be an afternoon filled with the rich culture of India.
The Festival of India will be 2:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, on the Illinois State University Quad. The event is free and open to the public.
Co-sponsored by Illinois State and the McLean County India Association (MCIA), the annual event is an opportunity to showcase Indian culture and tradition to the community.
“The goal of the festival is to continue promoting diverse cultural understandings, and truly experience new cultures present in our community,” said Professor of Graphic Design Archana Shekara, who is helping to plan the festival, which was awarded the Harman Arts Grant from the Town of Normal.
The festival will include street chess, henna painting and face painting and be treated to a display of Indian folk art known as Rangoli. At 3 p.m., there will be a program titled Yoga – Art of Living and Ayurvedic Medicine. Crowds will enjoy a variety of cultural programs including a dance drama from Panchatantra (fables) at 6:15 and Bollywood music at 6:30.
The state parade around the Quad will return at 4 p.m. with traditional Indian dances and figures. Delicious Indian food will be available for a nominal price.
The MCIA was established in 1979 to promote Indian culture and values among its members and local community. Since then, it is striving to bring awareness about India and its culture in the local community.
For additional information, contact Shekara at ashekar@ilstu.edu or (309) 662-7891.
