Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/662278
APRIL 6-12, 2016 UCW 21 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM If you are looking for an interna- tional experience without logging a lot of miles, don't miss the India Festival at the John D. Fuller Recreation Center on April 9. It's a way to experience new sights, sounds, flavors and culture without even leaving town – and the best part is proceeds go right back into the community. "India Festival is an annual event — every spring; it is a forum for the Asian Indian community in Fayetteville, which is about 400 family strong, to share our culture and heritage with the local community," said event spokesper- son Dr. Sumedha Dalvi. "Through the India Festival, we bring the sights and sounds, the talents and cuisine alive for those who attend the festival." Indian culture is ancient and excep- tionally rich and diverse in terms of its art forms, textiles, jewelry and cuisine and all of this will be on display at the event. Some of the things attendees can look forward to include dancing, music, food and more. "On stage, we have entertainment that depicts dances and music from India performed by our very own local artists as well as several out of town college dance teams visiting," said Dalvi. "There will be youth and ladies fashion shows; see them parade in Indian finery and fashions." Last year the event featured a "Festivals of India" Fashion Show. This year there is a new theme; "A Day in India," which depicts scenes starting from morning rituals and ending in eve- ning gala, showcasing events featuring casual, ethnic and formal clothing. If you've often admired the renowned Bollywood dancing that India is so famous for, don't miss this chance to learn a few moves. "We will offer a free Bollywood dance workshop for the festival attendees organized by a dancer/choreographer," said Dalvi. Vendors offer guests the opportunity to experience diversity in cuisine as they bring dishes from North India such as naan and chicken tandoori as well as food from South India such as dosa and medu wada. "Come experience tongue tickling, pal- ate warming authentic Indian delica- cies at the festival," said Dalvi. If tasting Indian fare is not enough, check out the cooking demonstrations by members of the community who will demystify Indian cuisine for the audi- ence. "Healthy and delicious, Indian cuisine has a reputation for being com- plicated, but these demos will show how easy they actually are," said Dalvi. "In addition, many of the spices and condiments will be available for sale at our adjoining spice booth." Dalvi also noted that henna artists will be at the festival ready to decorate attendees. Or go all out and purchase traditional clothes and jewelry. "We have vendors from as far as Atlanta and Charlotte who bring beautiful tex- tiles and jewelry for sale at a very rea- sonable price," Dalvi said. Adding that gently used clothes are also available at the bargain corner for those looking for beauty on a budget. Come watch yoga instructors and their disciples demonstrate different yoga techniques while children enjoy rangoli, traditional arts and crafts from India. While the day is packed with things to see and do, one of Dalvi's favorite things about the event is that the com- munity benefits in more ways than one. People get to share in the Indian culture and local organizations receive the proceeds. "One of the goals of India Festival has been giving back to the community that embraces us and is our home away from home. We have been able to donate over $125,000 to various local charities from proceeds that we have earned from the festival," said Dalvi. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. Find out more at https:// www.facebook.com/ India Festival: A Feast for the Senses by STEPHANIE CRIDER STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200