Region’s Asian Indian Heritage Takes Center Stage at Taste of India Festival April 21
April 03, 2013
Old Dominion University will host the 7th annual Taste of India festival - one of the largest Asian Indian festivals held every year in Virginia - on Sunday, April 21, at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can enjoy a full day of fun with live music, dances, ethnic food and vendor booths, as the region's strong Indian heritage is celebrated. More than 10,000 participants are expected at this year's event. Admission and parking are free.
The Asian Indian community plays an important role in the Hampton Roads region, said Vinod Agarwal, ODU professor of economics and one of the event's organizers. "This community is represented by over 140 physicians, 50 Ph.D. scientists and engineers, many hotel and small-business owners, and numerous software and IT professionals," he noted. "Old Dominion University alone has about 30 professors of Asian Indian descent."
It's estimated that the Asian Indian diaspora contributes $140 million annually to the local economy.
This year's Taste of India - sponsored by ODU, Towne Bank, Inside Business, The Virginian-Pilot, Charles Barker Automotive and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center - will feature Bollywood dances, a Bhangra dance competition and hourly door prizes. Bhangra is a traditional Punjabi folk dance.
For more information about the event visit www.tasteofindiahr.org or contact Agarwal at vagarwal@odu.edu.