ODU’s Constant Center to Host 8th Annual Taste of India Festival April 27
April 22, 2014
Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center will play host to the 8th annual Taste of India festival on Sunday, April 27.
The popular event, a mix of centuries-old heritage and modern Indian culture, is one of the largest Asian Indian festivals in Virginia. The 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. event features Bollywood music, ethnic Indian food, a dance competition, a children's carnival, and vendors selling Indian wares such as clothing, spices and jewelry.
ODU, which boasts a sizable international community, is one of the event's sponsors. There is no cost to attend the festival, and free parking is available nearby.
The theme of this year's Taste of India festival is "States of India." Attendees are invited to hop on the "Mumbai Express" and embark on a journey through the different states of the world's oldest and most populous democracy. Each Indian state has its own traditions, customs, language, attire, music and dance, and many will be reflected at Taste of India.
The festival will also feature henna painting and eyebrow threading. Folk dances like Bhangra and Garba will be performed, not only by local Indian dance troupes, but also competitive college teams.
Hampton Roads has a vibrant and active Asian Indian community. This community is represented by more than 140 physicians, numerous software and IT professionals, 50 Ph.D. scientists and engineers and 30 university professors.
In his 2012 State of the Region report, former ODU President James V. Koch highlighted the disproportionate benefit the Asian Indian community brings to Hampton Roads, including an annual economic impact of $140 million.
For more information about Taste of India, visit www.tasteofindiahr.org.