By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The India Society of Worcester (ISWO) will be one of hundreds of organizations across the country this August to host an India Day celebration. One of India’s largest national holidays, the day (which is officially Aug. 15) commemorates India’s independence from the United Kingdom.
The ISWO will be hosting their event, “Colors of India” at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, Saturday, Aug.4 from 2-8 p.m. The event will showcase a rich culture of entertainment, food and a free health stop (an India Day tradition) and much more.
For the past 29 years, the ISWO has organized the event as a way of commemorating the Indian independence as they celebrate the culture and provide a window in the Indian culture here in Massachusetts.
“The Indian community in the area has grown tremendously in the last few years,” said ISWO President Ashish Cowlagi. “We have been growing our India Day festival as a way of introducing Indian food, arts and culture to our friends and neighbors across the Metrowest and greater Worcester communities.”
In 2014, ISWO the event moved to its new venue at the DCU Center in partnership with over 20 local and regional community organizations. The event is free and open for all.
India Day chair Puneet Kohli, shared, “The DCU center is a wonderful venue to enjoy food, shopping, and a gala entertainment program – all indoors! This year, for the first time we will feature an Indian food truck which will be part of the lineup of carefully chosen Indian food experiences. It’s a free event – so come on down and spend the day immersed in a unique cultural experience.”
Over 5,000 attendees are expected to attend this celebration that will kick off with a parade that will include music and dance from the different states of India. India Day ’18 will also feature a showcase of cuisines from the four corners of India.
The IYG (Indian Youth Group) will have activities for children of all ages and the Meena Bazaar where independent vendors will showcase their rich artifacts, clothing and jewelry.
For more information, visit www.ISWOnline.org/IndiaDay.