FREMONT: Federation of Indo Americans – North California has announced celebration of 21st Festival of India and Parade on August 17 and 18 at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA.
The celebrations will start with a flag hoisting ceremony on August 15.
For the past 20 years, the FIA organized Festival of India has come to symbolize the unity, integrity, culture and the best of things that are hallmark of the Indian community in Bay Area. Celebrated over two days, this festival coincides with Indian Independence Day celebration and has many popular and well sought-after segments such as health fair, grand parade, Bollywood celebrity as Grand Marshal, kids talent programs, cultural programs representing cross section of India and a Mela that features best of offers for Indian community.
Apart from above segments, this year three special segments are being introduced. The FIA would be celebrating Centenary of Gadar movement, 150th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and 100 years of Bollywood cinema.
Gadar movement was started in 1913 by a few young individuals in California brimming with passion for Indian freedom. It soon caught on and resulted in revolutionary efforts. Some of the well-known revolutionaries such as Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh were supporting the movement.
This occasion will be celebrated with many activities and events around Gadar. Some of the activities planned are kids’ contests, exhibitions and showcase for Gadar movement.
Swami Vivekananda’s 150th anniversary celebrations started at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, where Swamiji gave his famous Vedanta lecture. There are many activities planned around his life and teachings.
Bollywood, the giant Indian movie juggernaut was started 100 years ago, with stalwarts such as Prithvi Raj Kapoor starting their cinema journey. Many activities involving exhibitions, floats and kids contests are planned to commemorate the anniversary.
As per tradition, a Bollywood heartthrob will be the Grand Marshal, leading this year’s parade. Sniti Mishra, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa sensation will be the Chief Guest and would also entertain the guests.
More details can be obtained at www.fiaonline.org. You can buy your tickets early at sulekha.com and save.
Given above events, this year’s Festival of India is turning out to be a pan South Asian event. FIA has invited everyone to come together and make this a grand success. There are several opportunities to get involved, like booths, events, floats, showcases, cultural programs, sponsorships and, not the least, raising community awareness and participation.
India Post News Service
