Indiafest Underway Through Sunday at Wickham Pavilion, Committed To Philanthropy

CELEBRATION OF INDIA’S RICH CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Indiafest, one of the most anticipated annual cultural events, is underway Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 at Wickham Pavilion, located at 3845 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.

The theme is a celebratory one – “Festivals of India” – which promises to bring a festive atmosphere to the grounds. India is a land of festivals and fairs comprising of a variety of religions and is deeply
steeped in tradition.

People celebrate and find harmony in this immense cultural diversity. Celebrating festivals is the time to meet family and friends. The sights of many festivals bring about bright colors, illuminated houses, music and dancing, depicting regional differences coupled with India’s unwavering enthusiasm.

Outfitted with traditional dresses, elaborate meals and sweets with family and friends, and sharing with the poor, is a part of the customs.

Started 16 years ago, with a curious and humble effort of an ethnic community, today Indiafest is a symbol of cultural enrichment in Brevard County. The general consensus is that it is a very well run festival getting bigger and better with a fresh and new look year after year.

This uniqueness comes from the fact that a different theme is presented each year showing the unique aspects of India’s culture, history and traditions.

Another factor that put this festival apart is its commitment to philanthropy and community service. Its vision and purpose is one of cultural education through entertainment, and to support charities.

Indiafest is a volunteer run, not for profit, cultural organization, known for its charitable efforts to several local charities, including the parent organization, Manav Mandir, and aid in disaster recovery, nationally and internationally.

Please visit the website at indiafestbrevard.org for a list of charities supported.

Still fresh in everyone’s mind, in 2010 efforts to help earthquake victims of Haiti raised $225,000 to benefit Ruska Village Orphanage, and in March 2011, the Indiafest committee proudly presented “The Indiafest Brevard Endowment” award of $100,000 to Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).

The Endowment is a product of the organization’s “rainy day” fund. It is anticipated that returns from the Endowment will provide financial assistance to one Brevard student per year starting in the fall of 2013.

Indiafest caters to all age groups with hands-on activities for the youths and mouth-watering Indian cuisine for all to enjoy.

The Discover India Booth will carry the theme of the event with very colorful displays of the various festivals of India. Audiences will be entertained with live traditional Indian music from the Sitar, Tabla, Santoor, and Harmoniuma.

Yoga and Zumba demonstrations will also be presented live on stage then the stage will come alive with traditional folk, classical, and modern Indian dances while the fashion show will be the highlight of the day.

Vendors will be selling jewelry, rich colorful ethnic garments, arts and crafts, music and videos.

One can indulge in the temporary body art of exotic Henna designs, and live cooking demonstrations with easy to make recipes.

This is a festival for everyone and a wonderful cultural experience for the whole family. The concept of universal brotherhood encompasses all the festivals and India’s warm hospitality and infectious spirit attract people from all over the world to take part.

Enjoy Indiafest and celebrate the “Festivals of India” on March 10 and 11 at the Wickham Pavilion. Tickets are $4 adults, $1 children under 12, and children under 5 are free.

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