The vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes of India came alive at the 7th annual Festival of India, hosted by the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) over the weekend at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Maryland.
Drawing over 20,000 attendees, the festival has become Maryland’s largest Indian cultural gathering and was voted Best Festival in Howard County for the third consecutive year in the 2025 Best of Howard poll conducted by the Baltimore Sun, according to an ICA release.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore proclaimed Sept. 20, 2025, as Indian American Heritage Day.
This family-friendly event offered an immersive experience of India’s rich heritage through music, dance, food, art, and educational exhibits, fostering cultural exchange and community connection across Maryland.
Festival Highlights Included:
Live Performances: Over 500 performers showcased classical, folk, and Bollywood dance, Dhol Tasha, music ensembles, and fashion shows.
Authentic Indian Cuisine: A curated lineup of regional Indian food vendors and culinary experiences.
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Marketplace: Artisan crafts, clothing, jewelry, and cultural exhibits.
Interactive Zones: Henna, kids’ activities, games, and storytelling corners.
Health Fair: Screenings, resources, and flu shots.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with local organizations and sponsors supporting multicultural awareness.
The festival was attended by elected officials, including Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Delegates Jessica Feldmark and Natalie Ziegler, Councilwoman Deb Jung, State’s Attorney Rich Gibson, Board of Education members Meg Ricks and Dr. Linfeng Chen, Christina Poy, Director, and Commissioners from the Governor’s Commission on Asian and South Asian Affairs.
Former County Executive Allan Kittleman and other community leaders, such as Cat Carter, John Handley, Jean Xu, andLanlan Xu, also joined the celebration.
The festival showcased India’s ancient and contemporary art forms from Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi to Bhangra, Garba, and Lavani, alongside soulful ragas and energetic Bollywood tunes and a spectacular Dhol-Tasha performance by the Baltimore Marathi Mandal.
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Local musicians demonstrated mastery across instruments, creating a sensory experience that resonated deeply with attendees.
Dr. Niti Srivastava, Executive Director of the Indian Cultural Association, commented, “We’re not just showcasing culture, we’re shaping community. Every dance, every dish, every story is a thread in the fabric of belonging. The festival bridges generations and fosters cross-cultural understanding. We designed this festival to be welcoming to all.”
“This festival is more than a celebration, it’s a movement,” said Sanjay Srivastava, the President of ICA. “It’s a space where Indian American identity is celebrated, and where service is powered by empathy and compassion. Festival of India is a living archive ofresilience, joy, and community power. ”
The festival was sponsored by MD Humanities, Howard Community College, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, M&T Bank, VISAM Financials, Horizon Foundation, MD250 Commission, MSAC, Patapsco Heritage, and Wegmans.
The Festival of India continues to grow as a beacon of cross-cultural connection and community-led humanities engagement, according to the release. With attendance in such large numbers, it has cemented its place as an undeniable fixture in Maryland’s cultural landscape.