lamp at the inauguration
MILWAUKEE: Indian Americans in Milwaukee hosted India Fest 2015 at Humboldt Park, third time on a grand scale orchestrated and presented by Spindle India, a non-profit organization.
The event, an all-day retreat with free entry, had over 15,000 Indian American attendees, including people belonging to different nationalities. The event had newly introduced flagship attractions, such as, Wisconsin India Singing Idol, Mr/Mrs. Wisconsin, India Fashion Show, Kid’s Parade, Indian Classical/Bollywood Dances, Traditional Dhol and Contemporary DJ Fusion, Vibrant Costumes, Creative Painting, etc.
A flat earth ensemble “East meets West”, fusion music of classical with modern instruments was presented by world-renowned Sitar maestro Indrajit Banerjee and Guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque, assisted by Hindole Majumdar on Tabla.
The Rangoli-making, that gorgeous folk art we see created in courtyards during festivals, attracted the attention of people in a big way.
A few Sikh men, who set up a booth, encouraged festival goers to let them tie a turban on their head, and then wear it for an hour for an authentic experience. Free blood pressure tests were offered by a local hospital run by Indian doctors.
City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto, Bay-view Alderman Tony Zielinski, Air India representative Katherine Thorat, Shawn Reilly and Milwaukee Judge Joseph Donald were present as Guests of Honor for the event.
Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett, said, “I always look forward to attending India Fest Milwaukee, an exciting festival highlighting the rich traditions of India. From classical music to dance, to authentic goods and delicious dishes, its offerings promise to educate and entertain fest-goers. Since 2013”.
Extending warm greetings Consul General of India, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, commended the welfare and organizational work being done by Spindle India Inc. in reaching out to a large segment of business and community members; and addressing their cultural, business, and logistic needs by rendering all possible services and support.
“There is no better way to learn about Indian culture,” said Purnima Nath, Organizer, Producer and Chairwoman of India Fest Milwaukee, and President of Spindle India. “We are weaving happiness as we bring people together through collaboration.
Our goal is to weave India’s colorful cultural threads into the rich multicultural tapestry of American culture”, she added. She specially appreciated sweat and hard work of some of the key volunteers, who had dedicated unlimited time and effort for months to make this initiative successful.
“Wisconsin hasn’t seen anything like this, at this grand scale, before. We are setting a new boundary. We have created history” said Suresh Krishnaiah, Program Director of IndiaFest, Milwaukee.
Katherine Thorat of Air India, a Star Alliance Member, observed that the IndiaFest was a socially-relevant initiative showcasing the peaceful nature of Indian Americans and their deep-rooted culture, arts, and heritage was much needed. Jay Kumar of Bombay Sweets was all praise for the educational value of the event.
National media companies to local TV, radio, and print media have featured IndiaFest Milwaukee in a very supportive way. Plethora of MNCs, local businesses and organizations sponsored and supported this cause of bringing communities together, and strengthening Indian community for the greater good, since its birth in 2013.
India Post News Service
