UWSP to host Festival of India at Schmeeckle Reserve

Metro Wire Staff

An event that celebrates the music, fashion, food, and dance of India, while raising money for Indian women and children, will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this month.

The 37th Festival of India will be held on Saturday, August 26, from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Schmeeckle Reserve, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point.

The event begins with a buffet at noon. The menu includes chicken tikka masala, kababs, chole masala (chickpea curry), dum aloo (potato curry), raita (yogurt sauce), basmati turmeric rice pulao, naan (flatbread), mint cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney and mango ice cream.

Activities begin at 1 p.m., including workshops on meditation and yoga, an Indian wedding, fashion show and crafts, including singing glass bowls and henna drawing. Stage performances begin at 3 p.m., including vocalist Vanitha Suresh with musicians on veena, violin and tabla; a Bharatanatyam dance by Kamala Peddiraju, a Kathak dance by Mahima Grover, a Bollywood dance by Bharati Tripathi; a Rajasthani folk dance by Neha Malik; and music by Dilip Tannan.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth ages 7-17 if purchased before Tuesday, August 15. After that, tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Tickets may be purchased at the Stevens Point Area Coop, Kindred Spirits, J and R Liquor Store, Dan’s Liquor Dispensary or via Pay Pal at www.shamainc.org. Proceeds benefit educational and development programs for women and children in India led by SHAMA, Inc.

The Festival of India is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, Physics and Astronomy Office and Diversity and College Access at UW-Stevens Point as well as Indus of Fox Valley and AIA of Madison.