FREMONT, CA: California’s Fremont City, also dubbed as Little India, was alive with dancing, singing and flag waving as the community held its annual Festival of India and Parade. Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California celebrated its 22nd Festival of India and Parade with more than 80,000 in attendance, according to official security estimates.
The Festival organized by Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California (FIA) is the most awaited event of California and it symbolizes the unity, integrity, culture and best of the things that are hallmark of the Indian community in Bay area.
It started as a local event some 21 years back and has now grown manifold. It showcases the perfect blend of fun, entertainment and national integration. Today it has become a national event attracting participants from as far away as East Coast.
To kick-start the celebrations, on Thursday, Aug 14 there was an Indian flag raising ceremony at San Jose City Hall, presented by San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra at 6:30 pm in the City Hall, followed by entertainment. Likewise, there was an Indian flag hoisting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Milpitas City Hall.
“Every year it keeps getting better and bigger – I think we realize how fortunate we are to have this freedom, unlike many others. This flag hoisting makes us proud and makes us realize who we are and what we are.”
The festival opened on August 16 at 10 am in Paseo Padre Parkway with the “Free Health Fair”. The Health Fair had about 30 Indian American physicians and other medical professionals providing free medical services and follow up.
The fair was organized by FIA team members with physicians and other medical professionals from Kaiser Permanante, St. Rose Hospital, Walgreens, Uppal Dental Care, Gateway Eye Care.
The Health Fair was attended by over 5000 and lasted for about three hours. Health Fair testing included screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, body analysis, risk assessment for heart attack and stroke.
Dr Romesh Japra, Dr Bhupinder Bhandari, Dr Sarabjit Hundal, Dr Monika Chugh, Dr Charanjit Uppal, Dr Vijay Tewari, Dr Anupama Patnaik and Dr Ahmed Sadiq were part of Health Fair physicians’ team and counseled with the patients.
The Parade was joined by 100 plus organizations, including 20 plus floats, two marching bands, 27 walking groups, and an assortment of dignitaries, including Consul General N. Parthasarathi. The entire parade route spanned 1.4 miles and was decorated with American and Indian flags.
The parade was coordinated by Deepak Chhabra and there were about 12 floats showcasing the rich culture and heritage of India. Many local ethnic groups such as Bay Area Telugu Association, Telengana, RANA, Assam and Uttar Pradesh participated in the parade with colorful floats and entertainment programs highlighting the State’s culture and heritage.
Bollywood actor Ayushman Khurana and actress Esha Deol were the Parade’s Grand Marshal and Co-Marshal. Ayushman was joined in the colorful procession by FIA Chairman Dr Romesh Japra and Co-Chairman Rajesh Verma.
Festivities included cultural programs, rides for the younger children, food booths and dance competitions on both days, and a bazaar with more than 110 stalls selling everything from clothing to spices.
The Festival of India, besides having the entertainment factor, is the best platform to market your business. The festival offers an opportunity for businesses to provide support, patronage and encourage events that increase and strengthen the cultural diversity and community involvement.
There were around 110 trade booths and 15 food booths. The trade booths catered to wide range of businesses starting from fashion jewelry, clothing, mend designers, real estate, insurance, credit union etc. There were stalls carrying multi-colored and elaborately patterned fabrics of saris, shawls and kurtas; intricately designed bangles, toe rings, anklets and earrings.
FIA meal is one stop shop for all Indian designer needs. Some of the vendors have been seen in the FIA meal for over 15 years. Food booths offered a variety of delicacies from North and South India. The food stalls included Chole Bhature by Go Chattz, mouth watering Dosas by Anandha Bhavan, authentic Hyderabad Biryani by Peacock, to name a few. Paranthas from Delhi, Pongal from Madras, Vada Pav from Mumbai and sweets from Kolkata were all served under one roof.
Later in the day Grand Marshal Ayushmann Khurana and Co-Grand Marshal Esha Deol adorned the stage and this was followed by welcome speeches by Dr Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma and Yogi Chugh.
Sponsors who made this event possible were Wells Fargo, Bank of the West, Chase Bank, Robson Homes, Aapka Colors, AT&T, Comcast, CEFCU, Kaiser Permanante, Vonage, McDonald’s, P G & E, Nurture Kids, Peter Kuo for Senate, Sunnyvale Hindu Temple to name a few.
Commenting on the success of the Festival, Dr Romesh Japra, Convenor of FIA and Rajesh Verma, President FIA said, “This is our way of passing on the torch of our pride in our traditions to the future generations of American Indian youth.” Festival of India is unmatched in performance, participation and organization by dynamic and talented spirit of Asian Indians.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
