Experience vast and varied cultures with the Festival of India.
The McLean County India Association (MCIA) and Illinois State University will bring the Festival of India to Normal from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, September 13, on the University’s Quad. The event is free and open to the public.
The rain date will be September 27.
The annual event is an opportunity to showcase Indian culture and tradition to the community. “Each state in India has its own language and culture,” said Professor of Graphic Design Archana Shekara, who is helping to plan the festival. “The Festival gives visitors the chance to learn about the history of India, and what makes the country unique.”
The day will include a parade of Indian states, a cultural program, and a Bollywood band. The day will also offer Indian food, demonstrations of yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing), traditional folk dances, a picture studio with Indian clothing, henna and face painting, rangoli art, crafts and jewelry, Indian sports for children, chess, balloon art, and a bounce house.
The event is sponsored by the McLean County India Association (MCIA) and Illinois State’s Office of the President, College of Fine Arts, India Student Association, and AsiaConnect. The festival is also a recipient of the Harmon Arts Grant Award from the Town of Normal.
The MCIA was established in 1979 to promote Indian culture and values among its members and the local community.
For more information, contact Shekara at ashekar@ilstu.edu or 662-7891.
