Most Twin Citians who dropped by the ISU Quad Saturday for the annual Festival of India had no idea that the elaborate and colorful performances, the delectable both sweet and savory that they sampled, the arts and fashions that brightened the fall afternoon represented an impressively wrought bridge across many Indian cultures rather than merely a Midwest conduit into the Indian culture.
“This is one festival that brings all the Indian community together,” Ajay Rolla, vice president for events with the McLean County India Association. “We have regional organizations here in Bloomington, but everyone does their own stuff. But India is a diverse country – we have 29 different languages, and there are hundreds of dialects. This is one event that brings all Indians – North Indians, South Indians, East Indians, West Indians – together.”
The MCIA used Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to boost attendance for this year’s festival, which featured culturally distinct foods and fashions, a variety of both adult and youth performances, and community information.
Rolla hoped non-Indian Twin Citians would be attracted by traditional dances and songs “you won’t find on regular TV channels,” as well as dishes representing both South and North Indian regions and pastries from Bloomington’s Signature India restaurant, “exclusively made by Indians.” The mother of one 7-year-old who participated in one of the day’s dance performances maintained as well that “it’s very important for our kids to learn about our culture and to know the values of our country.”
“That’s so important to us,” said the woman, who hails from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. “It’s good we have activities like this. It blends all the different state cultures of India.”