Festival of India Celebrates ‘Culturally Many, Spiritually One’
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WHEELING -- The beauty and serenity of the cultural Festival of India will once again grace the streets of downtown Wheeling.
The fourth annual Festival of India is set for 2-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at Heritage Port in Wheeling. This year's theme is "Culturally Many, Spiritually One," and is meant to intrigue and inspire visitors, according to festival officials.
Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott welcomes the now annual event with open arms.
"Almost every weekend during the summer we have an event in the city of Wheeling, and the Festival of India is one of the neatest ones. It brings a whole lot of folks down to Wheeling for those who don't get a chance to see the city. It's great for the people who live here too; it's something different, and I'm really thrilled to have them," Elliott said
Jaya KrsnaDas, coordinator of the festival, said the event allows visitors a look into the culture and traditions of India.
"Our aim is to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to share the joy of spiritual brotherhood as children of God. The festival also centers around community building and social cohesion, so please bring your family along for a day of fun, laughter, and spiritual upliftment."
Also known as the Festival of Chariots or Ratha-yatra, this event has its roots in ancient India and is celebrated in major cities worldwide, from Paris to London, Moscow to Brazil, and Durban to New York. It spreads a universal message of love, peace and goodwill.
Among the festival highlights will be a Float Parade at 5 p.m. on Water Street, free entertainment featuring live, local bands, and the traditional garbhaor dandiya (stick) dance. Visitors can enjoy a fusion of poetry, dance and drama.
∫ Multicultural storytelling on the lawn: Rangoli--multicolored street painting; and speakers will focus on the theme of compassion, tolerance, and concern for justice in all faiths, which is a positive step to a socially cohesive United States of America.
∫ An interactive Q&A booth presenting captivating and relevant topics for discussion. If you're teeming with a million questions, then here's your oasis.
∫ For a brief respite, enjoy some yoga. It's information overload out there, so now is the time to clear the mind, stretch the body, and awaken the soul, Krsna Das said. Leading local yoga teachers will guide you to a new high during yoga sessions.
∫ Mantra Meditation -- Connect through sound, and experience peace of mind and upliftment of spirit by meditating on and chanting God's names.
∫ Thinking about going natural? Pop in to the cooking booth and discover all-natural, interesting, and cost-effective methods to improve and maintain your health, including Cleopatra's beauty secret. Learn about Ayurveda, a holistic approach to health that allows you to become a balanced, vital person with the least effort.
∫ Gift and clothing boutique with exotic Eastern garments for women to kiddie saris and hand-crocheted dolls.
∫ Govinda's Food Court will spoil you with an array of delectable eats from authentic Indian cuisine to Western treats. It's East meets West, with affordable home-made food prepared within minutes.
∫ Carnival festivities for children will include a variety of arts and crafts and activities that include fairy gardens, hair braiding, and a cake walk to keep them entertained.
For more information, contact Jaya Rama (Josef Lauber) at Lauberjosef@me.com.