MATTHEWS, N.C. — The town of Matthews, in partnership with the India Association of Charlotte, hosted its annual Regional Festival of India on Saturday in Stumptown Park.
The event featured, which ran from noon to 6 p.m. had dance performances, Indian street food, a marketplace with jewelry and souvenirs, sari draping, turban tying, henna tattoos, immersive cultural experiences, a visual art gallery, and an interactive corner for kids.
During the event, Trade Street to John Street was closed from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
[ ALSO READ: Charlotte Arts & Science Council loses funding after new grant program passes ]
Shows and dance performances at the festival showed different dance styles from across India. Including classic styles like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi, and folk dances from different states across India. All performances were accompanied by musicians playing the flute and percussion instruments like the Dhol, Tabla, and Dholak.
Other dance performances featured Bollywood-style dancing, which is a fusion of traditional and modern Indian dancing.
Cultural exhibits at the festival allowed guests to experience different fabric printing techniques and immerse themselves in Indian traditions like sari draping and Henna tattoos. Other exhibit highlights major landmarks across the country.
Souvenir shops at the India Bazaar offered traditional Indian clothes, jewelry, and handmade colorful crafts. After exploring the festival, guests were welcome to go to the open-setting food court to taste traditional Indian dishes like Samosa Chaat and Chicken Tikka Masala.
For more information about this event, please click here.
(WATCH BELOW: Jamaican American Cultural Association goes virtual to support students)
This browser does not support the video element.