Indian Festival Melbourne

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CULTURE • EVENTS • PHILANTHROPY

ABOVE VIDEO: Check out the sights and sounds of past IndiaFests at Wickham Park in Melbourne.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – IndiaFest 2014 will be held at the Wickham Park Pavilion in Melbourne this weekend, Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Wickham Park Pavilion is located at 3845 N. Wickham Rd. Admission for adults is just $5, and children is just $2. Children 5 and under are free.

Since IndiaFest’s inception in 1996, this exciting event has been a huge a crowd favorite. The event is attended by thousands of festival goers every year who come out to enjoy delicious foods, to shop for everything from clothing to jewelry, get their body decorated with henna art or to simply have a great time.

Today Indiafest is a symbol of cultural enrichment.

“The freedom of expression is one of the many rights we all enjoy as Americans. Using this right for the enhancement of the society we live in is a duty we must fulfill, ” said Nina Gadodia, founder and chair person of Indiafest for the last 16 years.

Based on this ideology, Indiafest has not only become an eagerly awaited event, but it has gained quite a reputation around Florida.

Supported by many local, regional and national sponsors, it draws vendors from all over Florida and from as far as Atlanta, New York, Chicago and California.

INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY

It can be tough to comprehend the diversity of India where over a billion people, speaking over 18 languages (including English) and countless dialects, live in an area a third the size of the United States.

It can be inspiring to savor just a taste of that richness when it is reflected in so many ways – through food, music and dance, clothing and jewelry, and even in the spiritual and yoga art.

The general consensus is that the festival is very informative and educational yet highly entertaining and is a very well run festival with all the right ingredients. Not only is it bigger and better every year but it feels fresh and new year after year.

This newness or uniqueness comes from the fact that every year the organizers present a different theme which looks at a different aspect of India’s culture, history and traditions. In the past it has showcased ‘Festivals of India, ’ ‘Journey thru India, ’ ‘Music of India, ’ ‘ Women of India, ’ ‘Rural and Urban India, ’ ‘Fusion, ’ ‘Destination India’ and many more.

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY SERVICE

One other factor which puts this festival apart is its commitment to philanthropy and community service.

While Indiafest is known for its cultural education through entertainment, the organization also assists many local charities and aids in disaster recovery – nationally and internationally (CLICK HERE to see list of charities supported).

“As Indiafest gives people a better understanding of the philosophy of the Indian culture, ultimately mutual understanding, respect for each other, and helping our fellow brothers and sisters, no matter what race, religion, or creed, is what makes us better human beings, ” said Gadodia.