IndiaFest, a celebration of Indian heritage and tradition, returns to Gainesville Saturday

IndiaFest, a celebration of Indian heritage and tradition, returns to Gainesville Saturday

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular IndiaFest returns this Saturday in downtown Gainesville.

Event-goers can enjoy a celebration of India’s rich heritage, tradition, diversity and culture through the avenues of music, dance, fashion and, of course, food.

"We've found over the years that a lot of people who are not of Indian origin enjoy coming to the festival," said event coordinator and board member Manisha Ranade.

The festival, a fundraiser for the India Cultural and Education Center (ICEC), will include a full day of cultural programs and entertainment. Audience members will be able to participate in a Bollywood dance-a-long and yoga sessions.

"A lot of children participate in the cultural show," Ranade said. "It is good for the whole family to be out there together."

Ranade said the feeling of community is what makes Indian culture so special to her.

"It's sort of like a nice extended family," she said.

Traditional Indian cuisine will be available such as chole bhature, a dish made of chickpea curry and bread from all-purpose flour and fried in oil, and samosa, a popular snack made of a dough patty filled with savory filling and deep-fried.

Sweet treats include gulab jamun, a dessert made with fried dough balls made from milk solids served with syrup, and mango milkshakes.

The Vegan Gator Food Truck also will be on hand serving up its vegan artisanal burgers and smothered fries.

Ranade said she has fielded numerous questions related to the festival, particularly about the weekend weather forecast. The National Weather Service is currently predicting a partly sunny day with a 50% chance of showers.

"I really hope we have enough sun that day so that we can all be outside and enjoy," she said.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bo Diddley Plaza, located at 111 E. University Ave. across the street from City Hall.