Roswell, Ga.
It was a day full of rich colors, vibrant music, and tantalizing aromas at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Roswell, as the sixth annual Atlanta India Festival took place on Saturday, Sept. 21. This lively event, organized by the church, brought together the community to celebrate Indian culture with a variety of activities, foods, and performances. According to event spokesman Cherian Chacko, this year’s festival was a roaring success.
The church grounds buzzed with excitement as festival-goers explored booths featuring an array of traditional and fusion Indian cuisine. People devoured everything from spicy samosas to sweet mango lassis, all while enjoying the festive atmosphere. One of the highlights of the food scene was Kasi from Kakatiya Indian Kitchen in Alpharetta, who skillfully prepared Indian crepes right before the eyes of the attendees.
This year, the festival drew an impressive crowd. Last year’s event saw about 1,500 visitors, and this year seemed to surpass that number effortlessly. A significant attraction was the cultural artistry on display, notably from local artist Jaya Balan. Balan showcased her magnificent mural and Tanjore paintings, which took her three months to complete. Observers marveled at the intricate details and vibrant colors of her artwork.
The festival wasn’t just about the visual arts. It was a feast for the ears and eyes as well, with numerous performances throughout the day. The Mehfil dancers, in their colorful costumes, captivated the audience with traditional and contemporary dance routines. Their performances were a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. Music filled the air as artists like Juby Sanju and Angela Sanju Alex showcased their musical talents, adding to the festive ambiance.
In addition to the visual and performing arts, the festival featured many vendors offering unique merchandise. Shalini Gupta from Gayatri Collections boutique in Cumming displayed an array of women’s wear, while Sachin Gupta showcased men’s evening casual wear, both drawing considerable interest from shoppers. A beautiful brass elephant was among the many items highlighted at the Vande Bharat Handicrafts booth, catching the eyes of many passersby.
The festival also offered a chance for visitors to get hands-on with art. Palak Anand of Mehenditation was busy all day applying intricate mehndi designs to eager participants. Janese, one of the visitors, watched in awe as her hands were adorned with floral patterns made from organic henna.
Fashion enthusiasts had plenty to be excited about as well. Jasmine Gujral, owner of Lavish Designs by Jasmine, displayed gorgeous traditional attire, including a striking Navratri Lehenga set that had people talking. The vibrant textiles and detailed embroidery were a hit among those looking to celebrate in style.
This year’s Atlanta India Festival made it very clear that Indian culture is cherished and appreciated in Roswell. People from various backgrounds came together to enjoy a day dedicated to celebrating everything Indian, from food to fashion, art to dance.
As the day ended, it was evident that the festival had not only met but exceeded expectations. It was a brilliant display of community spirit and cultural appreciation, ensuring that everyone left with fond memories and newfound knowledge about Indian traditions.
A Community Effort
The festival would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of organizers, volunteers, and participants. They worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the layout of the booths to the schedule of performances. Their hard work paid off, as the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors.
With the festival drawing to a close, there was already talk among the crowd about next year’s event. If this year’s success is anything to go by, the seventh annual Atlanta India Festival promises to be even bigger and better. Until then, the memories of a day filled with culture, creativity, and community will keep the spirit of the festival alive in the hearts of all who attended.
