ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Get ready to experience a vibrant weekend full of great culturally rich music, food, and activities during the Festival of India at Elmwood Park in Roanoke on August 17.
The festival is this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to enter. Sunny Shah and Kamlesh Jhaveri with the Indian Heritage Society joined WFXR news and explained that the event is in its 17th year and celebrates a number of things, including India’s Independence Day.
“This is a fun, free, family event with a lot of entertainment. We also celebrate the Independence Day of India, which is today,” Sunny said. “We will be sharing our culture, heritage, music, dancing culture, Henna tattoos, Henna paintings, duality, and of course our delicious food.”
‘Best wings in Roanoke,’ the 15th Annual Wing Fest returns
Sunny says there will be street food from India from all around the festival and this is the best way to experience India if you are unable to travel abroad. You can experience it right here in the Roanoke Valley.
Kamlesh explained that his favorite part of the festival is this year’s STEM theme, based on India’s ancient and modern contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They are raising money for local charities, including the Red Cross, RAM House, and the Rescue Mission.
The food will feature flavors from different parts of India. Devki Patel told WFXR about Korma and Chicken Curry from Northern India. Lentle soup and Biryani from Southern India. She said that Samosa can be found all over India.
Devki said that if you are someone who doesn’t normally eat spicy food but would like to try Indian cuisine, you can combine one type of food with another.
“You can combine the curry with the non and that kind of balances out the flavor and you know we do have different intensity of flavors,” Devki said. “You can service the food mild, or medium, things like that.”
If you are just getting into Indian food, Devki said one of the most popular foods in America is Samosa and is a must-try.
After eating the delicious food, you can then entertain yourself with dancing and other entertainment. Pooja Patel explained how the 28 different states in India each almost have their own separate subcultures, including different dances which will be showcased at the festival.
If you want to experience the awesome culture right here in Roanoke, make sure you get out this Saturday and enjoy everything the Festival of India has to offer!
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
