The McLean County India Association (MCIA) will celebrate 10 years of the award-winning Festival of India from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 17, on the Illinois State University Quad. The event is free and open to the public.
Amid the aromas and sweet spice of Indian food, the festival will include workshops on yoga, meditation, and BollyX (Bollywood dance fitness). There will be henna painting, Indian sports for children, balloon art, and more.
MCIA President Archana Shekara said the annual event is an opportunity to showcase Indian culture and tradition to the community. “The festival gives visitors the opportunity to share the rich culture of a diverse nation, and what makes it unique. It promotes cross-cultural learning and connects the dots between cultures, which is much needed today,” she said.
The day will kick off with the Indian States Parade, and include entertainment throughout the day and a band playing Bollywood music. A variety of north and south Indian food will be available.
Sponsors include the MCIA, Illinois State’s Office of the President, College of Fine Arts, and Indian Student Association.
The Festival of India was awarded the Mirza Arts and Culture Grant from Illinois Prairie Community Foundation in 2016 and Harmon Arts Grant from Town of Normal in 2012. 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 (309) 662-7891.
