As IACA steps into its 53st year of community service, the organization's flagship event, Festival of India is all to set to mark its 27th year of inception with renewed vigor and vibrancy.

Festival of India was conceptualized by IACA in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India's independence. Since then, the signature IACA event continues to draw thousands of audiences and is one of the largest South Asian events in Atlanta. The festival showcases India at its cultural and intellectual best with spectacular performances, both classical and contemporary, from Atlanta's finest dance, music and all performing arts academies across Atlanta and an interesting line up of seminars on diverse themes.

This year the Festival of India shines as a beacon of hope for the Indian diaspora, as we all try to emerge from the ravages of the pandemic.

Festival of India (FOI), is leading all other regional and cultural organizations for a joint celebration, with over 30 organizations joining forces with IACA this year.

 India American Cultural association with its glorious history of over 50 years of community building, is truly grateful for the role it plays in the larger Atlanta community. After years of focus on retaining and cherishing the Indian identity while building on the American persona, IACA is moving closer to its vision of being a pioneering leader, for all other regional and cultural organizations in Atlanta. To establish its outreach in the community, the association is bringing in its fold, various community friendly events and associations that serve to benefit everyone connected to the Indian diaspora at large. This vision is being brought into reality by hosting various health booths at the venue!

The Festival of India has its much awaited contests and challenges for the children and youth, be it Chess competition, Drawing competition or Public speaking contest, each designed to bring out the best in every participant, and encourage talent within the Indian community.

Artists of the Indian diaspora are all poised to display their dazzling artistic finesse, as 32 art exhibits would be displayed among 64 artists that were participating.

The exclusive fashion show held at the Festival of India, shall fittingly display the grace and glory of the ethnic costumes and explore possibilities of the fusion of Indo Western costumes as well.

A day-long seminar is being held at the event! It will be an immersive experience, listening to industry leaders. Experts from various fields shall share their knowledge and vision with us all. The topics range from Yoga, women entrepreneurship, discussions about political beliefs of immigrants from an author's perspective, etc. Each session promises to be unique and impactful in its own way.

The crowning glory of this entire event is the Flag walk, led by community leaders, celebrities and participants from nearly 30 organizations around Atlanta. This event is designed to depict the vibrant cultures of our motherland and remind us of Unity in Diversity. 

Following the flag walk, the cultural events shall begin, each performance has been carefully curated, selected for its cultural weightage, its aesthetic presentation and glorious celebration of our own rich cultural heritage. Be it Bhangra, Bharatanatyam to modern fusion performances, the youth of the community shall display their talent on the biggest performing platform in Atlanta.  

While the cultural programs grace the center stage, there is plenty to engage and entertain the audience all around the venue! Be it the flash mob or the various booths at the venue. Food forms such an integral part of the Indian culture, at Festival of India, we have a curated collection of food vendors, who shall not just serve the most authentic Indian food varieties from different parts of India, but also commit to making the entire catering experience extremely hygienic and environmentally safe.

An enthusiastic team of volunteers are already working over the many past months to ensure that this program shall be a resounding success. The attractive flyers, informative website and excellent social media outreach is all being handled by young volunteers from within the community, who wish to create a memorable experience for all those attending the Festival of India.

In summation, this magnanimous event, with numerous preparations underway, is poised to remind the community about holding each other's hands, helping each other and rising together as Indian Americans, who are privy to a unique role within the greater immigrant community of the USA.

Do join us in this magnificent celebration, to fill your hearts with hope, happiness and honor, of belonging to India and to the Indian community here in Atlanta!