33 years old, and still going strong.
Avani Venkatesh
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: For 33 years, the Festival of India has lured people of all ages and races to come participate and experience Indian culture firsthand. The convention center of greater Richmond during the weekend of September 20 and 21 was transformed into a loud, glittery, masala-filled event with the best food and the fiercest performances in all of Richmond.
Not only was there the most authentic Indian food in Richmond, but the Festival of India had a wide selection of performances from classical Kathak to modern dance to the newest Bollywood song. Since this festival draws in so many people, there were several booths that were focused on raising money and awareness for various charities. All of these and more are the reasons that the Festival of India has and will be a Richmond tradition.
In front of the dosa booth, a line of people waited, standing on their tip-toes craning to see how many more people in front of them before they get their sizzling, crispy dosas. I can only stand there a couple of minutes before my eyes start watering because of the heavy aroma of the tangy masala swirling around in the air.
Kachoris were another star attraction at the event. Food from every region was available to please every palette. All of the food was tirelessly prepared by hardworking volunteers who had everybody’s appreciation. Vendors and their wares added a big element of glitz to the festival showcasing colorful costumes, jewelry and artsy products.
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The dwindling chance of getting a seat to watch the performances was taken by an eager four-year old boy and his grandma. I sighed as I scanned for a seat, already knowing I won’t find one.
“This year the competition between performances were tough, all the participants exceeded the expectations with their props and style and you can tell that that is the thing that is really bringing the festival together†said Bina Shah, one of the active members of the community.
I got to speak to Isha Kelkar, member of a winning dance performance.
“The dance was a classical Kathak dance with a Bollywood twist on it, we thought that the Bollywood twist would make it more fun and enjoyable for the audience†says Kelkar. The group had been practicing since May and all the effort was evident in their graceful and upbeat execution of the dance.
A festival this sought-after doesn’t happen without hard work from the volunteers and booth owners. Both Mona Sharma, Saturday evening’s MC, and Preeti Patil, a performer, mentioned how amazing and hardworking the volunteers were and how the festival couldn’t have been possible without them.
They had set up a booth called Second Chances that collects used Indian clothes, sells them and donates all the profits to the Hindu Center of Richmond. Last year the clothes that weren’t sold were sent to the Philippines after the hurricane and this year they will be donated to Africa.
The Festival of India is not only fascinating and a new experience for all but also gives back to the community in huge ways. The combination of food, performances, and the people make every festival even more memorable and make you want to mark your calendar and get all your food tickets ready for next year when all of Richmond will again come together for the Festival of India.
(Avani Venkatesh is a rising 8th grader who loves new and exciting cultural experiences. She plays softball & volleyball and is an aspiring writer.)