Fremont, Aug 18: Despite high temperature, thousands thronged the streets of Fremont to watch Bollywood star Dharmendra lead a parade marking India's 57th Independence Day. The parade yesterday, which included bands, dance troupes and floats depicting various Indian states, including the Jammu and Kashmir, was part of the two-day India festival which attracted about 50,000 visitors.
three Indian-American organisations, who have in the past hosted separate festivals, came together this year to hold one big event that reached out to a broader Indian community and garnered support from Indo-Americans all over the San Francisco and Bay area, said Yogi Chugh, spokesman for the Federation of Indian American Association (FIAA).
"The festival has been growing and this year has been very successful," said Romesh Japra, a cardiologist who started the original festival in Fremont 11 years ago.
India festival, which attracted 5,000 people in its first year, has grown from strength to strength to emerge as one of the largest display of Indian culture in the country. This year, the event included a two-day mela, showcasing Indian dance and music, cuisine, handicrafts and garments. While the aroma of Indian food, the sights of mehndiwalis and the sounds of dholki briefly transported Indians back home, it provided the American community an opportunity to take part in the Indian cultural experience.
The event also included a health fair, offering an opportunity for the attendees to seek medical advice from numerous Indian-American physicians.
Bureau Report