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Festival of India draws record crowds in Howard County
Indian Americans are the largest immigrant minority in Howard County. Asian Americans represent about 20 percent of Maryland's population and surrounding areas.
Kuchipudi dancers / Image- Indian Cultural Association
Over twenty thousand people celebrated Indian culture at the Howard County Festival of India—Diwali Mela from Sept. 21 to 22, setting a new record for attendance.
Organized by the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) of Howard County, the two-day event showcased a wide array of Indian art forms, music, dance, and cuisine, solidifying its status as one of the largest cultural festivals in the region.
The Organizers, Niti and Sanjay Srivastava / Image- Indian Cultural AssociationGovernor Larry Hogan, members of Governor Wes Moore’s administration, and Howard County council chairperson Deb Jung were among the prominent attendees at the event.
The festival featured traditional Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi, as well as folk performances like Kashmiri, Bhangra, Garba, and Dandiya. Over 400 local artists participated, with live music performances ranging from classical Indian ragas to contemporary Bollywood songs.
Bhangra by kids / Image- Indian Cultural Association
In addition to cultural performances, the festival included a bazaar (Indian-style market) with vendors from across the East Coast offering Indian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. Food stalls provided a wide range of regional Indian dishes. A free immunization clinic was also available, offering flu shots to attendees.
The organizer with AAPI Commissioners and Howard County Council Chairperson / Image- Indian Cultural Association“The Festival of India is more than just an event; it is a celebration of Indian culture and a means to share it with everyone,” said Dr. Niti Srivastava, executive director of the ICA. “It offers a platform for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and appreciate the diversity that Indian culture brings to the global stage.”
Rasleela Bharatnatyam / Image- Indian Cultural Association“The Festival of India is a celebration of our community’s cultural diversity and provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together,” said Sanjay Srivastava, president of the ICA.
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