One thing quickly became obvious at IndiaFest, the April 19 festival celebrating the culture, customs and food of the country projected to overtake China as the most populous in the world. The event was too populous for its venue, the River Market pavilions in Little Rock.
Members of the city's Indian community, along with others, turned out in droves for the festival, which was blessed with an abundance of sunshine after a mildly rainy start to the day.
Chaired by Dr. Supriya Jambhekar, the daylong event began in the east pavilion with a processional that included Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and City Manager Bruce Moore. Their foreheads were anointed with tilak marks made of kumkum powder, and ceremonial flower garlands were hung around their necks to welcome them as guests of honor. Stodola and Moore -- along with Jambhekar and Rajesh Chokhani of Welspun Tubular, one of the presenting IndiaFest sponsors -- also took part in a lamp lighting ceremony to commence the event.
The morning program included the singing of the national anthem of India by children from Gujarati Samaj of Arkansas; the singing of America's national anthem by Diya Chakraborty and her father, Indranil Chakraborty; a Bharathanatyan dance by Megha P Rao of Rogers; a folk dance performed by the members of Gujarati Samaj of Arkansas; and a showcase of wedding fashions representing various Indian states. Siva Soora served as the morning's master of ceremonies.
Entertainment continued in the east pavilion, while attendees milled around the west pavilion to sample Indian food. Guests also had the opportunity to be adorned with henna tattoos, play India bingo, learn how to wear saris, take photos and partake in other activities.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 04/26/2015