The 29th Annual Festival of India: A Tapestry of Unity and Celebration
Hosted by the India American Cultural Association (IACA) at the Gas South Center in Duluth, the 29th Annual Festival of India celebrated India’s Independence Day and the vibrant Indian American community in Georgia. More than 4,000 people attended the event, which was a vibrant blend of heritage, service, and unity.
[Left] IACA Board of Directors with guests and winners.
Alfred John, Chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, celebrated the community’s role in making Forsyth County a welcoming place, while Nicole Love Hendrickson, Chairwoman of the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners, commended IACA for its “unwavering commitment to our community.”
Kandhaswamy Raju, Consul at the Consulate General of India, announced new consular services, including Saturday hours at VFS centers. Both—the U.S. Representative Buddy Carter and the Georgia State Representative Sandy Donatucci—emphasized Georgia’s inclusive spirit and how the festival fosters relationships and a sense of belonging.
More than 70 cultural performances showcased the rich heritage of India. From classical dances like Bharatanatyam to energetic Bollywood medleys, the stage was a kaleidoscope of rhythm and color. Dr. Raktim Sen, Cultural Director, expressed his pride, saying, “Festival of India brought together over 75 vibrant cultural presentations in music, dance, and art, creating an unforgettable celebration of Indian heritage.”
[Right] The Indian Tricolor was honored at the FOI performance.
The festival was a testament to IACA’s mission to build community through service, education, and culture. A free Health Fair provided medical screenings, blood tests, and consultations to over 200 elders and community members. Health Fair Volunteer Lead Sooryakumar Aparna Thoppan remarked on the compassion of the volunteers, saying, “It was heartwarming to see elders express their gratitude, reminding us that such initiatives are as much about kindness and dignity as they are about healthcare.” IACA Board Member Chand Akkineni, the festival’s visionary, emphasized the dual impact of service and celebration, noting, “IACA is happy to serve 400+ people in the Health Fair thanks to the support from Indian Community Physicians and other healthcare service providers.”
Coordinator of the Flower Show, Neeta Shenvi, said, “The flower show brought color, vibrancy, and natural beauty to FOI, enhancing the overall atmosphere.” The Chess Tournament added an intellectual element, with members of the Gwinnett Police joining for the first time. Mohua Maity, Owner of Mohar Chess and Vice President of the Georgia Chess Association, noted that this highlighted the festival’s ability to reach beyond cultural boundaries.
[Left] Cultural performances were a highlight at the FOI.
The Public Speaking Contest provided a platform for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults to practice their eloquence. Organizer and IACA Board Member Ranjithaveena Pol said, “It was inspiring to watch participants speak with confidence and creativity. These contests give young people and adults like a platform to express themselves, which is an important part of IACA’s mission.” Other children’s activities included the Read Write Learn storytelling workshop and a drawing competition organized by the Shashikala Foundation.
Attendees enjoyed a spread of authentic Indian delicacies from various food stalls, while vendor exhibits offered jewelry, clothing, and crafts, creating a bustling bazaar atmosphere.
The India American Scholarship Fund Awards were presented to deserving students for their academic excellence and community service.
As the day concluded, IACA Board Member Ani Agnihotri reflected on the festival’s continuity, stating, “I am honored to be with FOI since its inception in 1997. The mission and activities of IACA are becoming increasingly important in the current political and geo-political scenarios, and we plan to grow from strength to strength.”
IACA President Dhananjay Gupta used a poetic metaphor to describe the event, saying, “FOI becomes like a sea where all the different rivers submerge themselves and become one identity.” Chairman of the Board Kaushal Tripathi expressed his gratitude for the organizing team, calling the event an “Atlanta iconic event now.” Jyothsna Hegde, Media Director and Souvenir In-Charge, expressed pride in the festival’s role in celebrating heritage and inspiring future generations.
The Festival of India 2025 was a living testament to the spirit of community, where diverse traditions flowed together, creating a shared identity and strengthening the enduring bond between India and America.
| Remember, we have new Website Bonus Features that are not in the print magazine. Every time you see the W symbol in the print magazine, you can go to our website to see additional print or audiovisual material! |
|
Submitting your report for consideration in Around Town Please send post event reports for consideration in the Around Town section to AroundTown@khabar.com. Publication of reports is based on several criteria including the volume of reports submitted for a given issue. Guidelines for the reports are on our website at http://www.khabar.com/magazine/around-town/guidelines_for_submitting_reports_to_around_town. Deadline: 15th of each month—for consideration in the following month. However, chances of inclusion are better if reports are received well in advance of the deadline – where possible, e.g. within 3-7 days of the event.
|
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine.
