Manav Mandir Presents Indiafest

Indiafest is a celebration of the mixture of rich culture and traditions. Started 20 years ago, with a curious and humble effort of an ethnic community, today Indiafest is a symbol of cultural enrichment in Brevard County and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The general consensus is that it is a very well run festival with a fresh and new look year after year. This uniqueness comes from the fact that a different theme is presented each year showing the unique aspects of India’s culture, history and traditions. This year the theme is Heavenly Northern India. The Discover India booth will feature this theme, provide information and, have displays of various cultural nuances, significant places of interest, beauty and, history of Northern India landscape.

An admirable factor of this festival is its commitment to philanthropy and community service with a vision and purpose of cultural education, through entertainment. Indiafest is a volunteer run, not for profit, cultural organization, known for its charitable efforts to several local charities, including the parent organization, Manav Mandir, and aid in disaster recovery, nationally and internationally. Here are a few of the bigger charity projects that were supported: Disaster aid reliefs for – 1998 Florida Fire Victims, Orissa Cyclone Victims in India, 1999 Hurricane Floyd Victims, The 2001 Earthquake Victims in Gujarat, India, 9-11 Disaster in New York City, the Tsunami victims, 2004 Hurricane Victims, and 2005 SE Asia Earthquake. In 2010 efforts to help earthquake victims of Haiti raised $225,000 to benefit Ruska Village Orphanage and in 2012 the committee presented the ‘Indiafest Endowment’ award of $100,000 to Florida Institute of Technology. Returns from the endowment provide financial assistance to a Brevard student. In 2013 the organization raised $10,000 for the ‘Sentinels of Freedom’ and, in 2014 the ‘Children’s Hunger Project’ was presented a check of $10,000. The 2016 charity was ‘Promise in Brevard’ that Indiafest raised over $70,000 to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for the residents. The 2017 selected charity is Candlelighters of Brevard, dedicated to children with cancer and their families by offering emotional support and financial assistance. Visit the website indiafestbrevard.org for a more detailed list of charities supported.

Indiafest has something of interest for everyone from hands on activities for the youths, to shopping for the adults, and don’t forget mouth-watering Indian cuisine, and all day entertainment for all to enjoy. The Discover India booth will feature the theme, Heavenly Northern India and the stage will be pumping with entertainment throughout the day. There will also be Yoga and Zumba demonstrations. The stage will come alive with performances by our local artistes dancing to traditional folk, classical, and modern Indian music while the fashion show will be the highlight of the day. The grounds will be buzzing with vendors selling jewelry, rich colorful ethnic garments, arts and crafts, music and videos. One can indulge in the temporary body art of exotic Henna designs as the aroma of food being prepared at the live food demonstration with easy to make recipes, draw visitors for a taste of the tantalizing flavors of India.

Today, as technology makes the world smaller and more accessible, assimilation of the different cultures is very real and the need to appreciate each other is ever more apparent. At Indiafest you will take back with you, a part of India’s rich cultural heritage – be it arts and crafts, food, jewelry, music, dance, or clothes. You will be transcended, through miles and time, as you get a close up view of the traditional and vibrant aspects of this culture. So, come out on March 11th and 12th to Indiafest at the Wickham Pavilion. Tickets are $5 adults, $2 children under 12, and children under 5 are free.

For more info visit indiafestbrevard.org