India Festival at Madison 2013 to embrace country’s culture, entertainment

This young woman demonstrates Kuchipudi, a traditional dance form from south India. Dance will be one component of India Festival at Madison 2013. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Artisans, musicians and dancers will portray the colorful culture of their home country at the India Festival at Madison 2013.

The festival will be held on the Bob Jones High School campus on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Numerous sessions will highlight the country’s music, dance, cuisine, arts, crafts, yoga and meditation in a festive atmosphere, executive committee member Krishna Srikakolapu said.

More than 200 artists will showcase continuous classical, folk and Bollywood performances from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Models will display dramatic and flowing garments in two fashion shows.

“These performances will highlight the rich heritage from different parts of India and their distinct culture and include artists from the local community, Birmingham and Nashville,” Srikakolapu said.

From 6 to 9 p.m., various performers will present heart-throbbing Bollywood musical entertainment and Bollywood Zumba.

“The festival is for the enjoyment for people from all walks of life in the community. The festival is a great forum for the local community to embrace diversity, learn more about the people from India who have made the United States their home and contributed to its growth and prosperity,” Srikakolapu said.

North Alabama is home for thousands of people of Indian origin. These residents are pursing careers in the latest technology, engineering, medicine, teaching and research and development, along with business, he said.

India Festival at Madison 2013 will feature fashion shows, like this couple at their wedding in traditional attire. (CONTRIBUTED)

India Festival at Madison also will feature yoga and meditation seminars, educational galleries with exhibits and paintings from across India. Fun activities will include application of henna ‘tattoos,’ Rangoli designs and carrom board games. Craftspeople will sell Indian jewelry, clothing, handicrafts and clothes at a bazaar.

A cricket tournament will showcase India’s most popular sport.

“Authentic, delicious Indian snacks, lunch and dinner will be sold at reasonable prices all day,” Srikakolapu said. “The cuisine will reflect the wide assortment of spices, dishes and cooking techniques of the Indian sub-continent.”

Tickets are $5 for age six and older. For more information, call 256-882-1921, email to madison.indiafest@gmail.com or visit http://www.indiafestmadison.com.