The 6th Annual Indian Festival will take place on Saturday, April 17 at the Crown Arena from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. This fun filled day is for the local community to enjoy various activities while learning about the Indian culture.

“We want to feature our Indian culture and give the local community a glimpse of our Indian performing arts and cuisine,” said Sumedha Dalvi, chairperson of the India Festival. “Our focus is mostly on entertainment and food.”

Entertainment will be featured all day long on the stage.

“The big feature this year is our fashion show,” said Dalvi. “We are going to do three different kinds of fashion shows.”

Dalvi added that the three fashion shows will feature teenagers, children 12 and under and adults showcasing Indian fashions.

Three different vendors will showcase Indian food.

“The vendors will feature food from different regions of India,” said Dalvi. “It is very flavorful food that is spicy or mild.”

Dalvi added that there will be a drink booth and an authentic Indian ice cream booth.

“This is the first year we are bringing in an ice cream booth,” said Dalvi.

Other booths will feature Henna tattoos, arts and crafts creations, Indian clothing and jewelry. There will be a Kid’s Corner that will consist of games and snacks. Various artists, from Raleigh and Cary, will sing and play instruments.

“We will also have some classical Indian dances,” said Dalvi. “Later on in the day we will have open fl oor folk dancing.”

The Indian culture is rich, diverse and unique in its own way. The family component is about joy, love and sharing. Manners and ways of communicating with one another are important components of the Indian culture. The Indian culture treats guests as if they are a part of the family by serving and taking care of them. Respecting one another and helping one another are key components. The children are taught to help one another in need and through cooperation better living subsequently makes this world a better place. Respecting elders is a major component of the culture.

Proceeds from the event are donated to various local charities during the time of the Maharaja Banquet in the fall. The organization has donated more than $80,000 to various charities such as The Wounded Warriors, The Falcon Children’s Home, The Cumberland County Education Foundation and many more local organizations.

“This is our way of giving back to the local community that has embraced us and made us feel at home,” said Dalvi. “We call this home now.”

Ticket cost is $2 and the event is free for children age 4 and under. For more information call 824-0095.