Photo provided In celebration of India Independence Day, the Indian Association of Columbus will be holding its annual India Day, starting at 4 p.m. Saturday on Fourth Street.
The sounds, sights and tastes of India are coming to downtown Columbus this Saturday.
In celebration of India Independence Day, the Indian Association of Columbus will be holding its annual India Day, starting at 4 p.m. on Fourth Street.
The celebration will feature dancing performances of songs from India, a dance workshop and a singing performance, according to Indian Association of Columbus Vice President Suman Suresh. Jhoom513, a band based out of Cincinnati who played at last year’s India Day, will also return for an encore two-hour performance.
Following Jhoom513’s show, the streets will clear for people to dance as Indian music, provided by a DJ, fills the downtown space. There will be plenty to choose from foodwise, from samosa chaat to tandoori chicken to mango malai, and Indian businesses will also have vendor stalls for customers.
“Last year we did not have vendors, I think prior to that we did,” Suresh said. “So just bringing back the vendors again this year and then the food, as usual, we try to bring lots of variety in our food as well.”
Suresh said India Day in Columbus has evolved over the years from gatherings in smaller areas to celebrations downtown. She said they wanted to slowly expand the event to a larger crowd and to be a part of Columbus’s diversity.
“So that’s when we started to have this event in downtown and have this event open to everybody, not just Indians, and make aware of how we celebrate our culture and heritage among being part of Columbus…,” Suresh said.
Previous India Day celebrations have been very well-attended, and Suresh said they even ran out of food at their first one.
She hopes to see a turnout similar to that of past years, but she said they have taken into consideration the amount of events happening that day and have limited food this year. Suresh said she looks forward to having a good time with everyone.
“… I am a part of a dance group and I think my dance team is again performing as well, so that’s something to look forward for me,” Suresh said.
India Day is free to attend.
