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Festival of India marks 29th year in Georgia with cultural, community events
Over 4,000 people gathered at Gas South Center in Duluth for the Festival of India 2025.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 24, Aug 2025
- 22:19 EDT
- 76
More than 4,000 people attended the day-long program, which combined cultural performances, community service initiatives, and educational contests. / Courtesy Photo
The 29th Annual Festival of India, organized by the India American Cultural Association (IACA), brought together thousands of Indian Americans and Georgia residents on Sunday at the Gas South Center in Duluth. The event marked both India’s Independence Day and the growing presence of the Indian community in the state.
Guest of honor, Festival of India 2025. / Courtesy Photo.Governor Brian Kemp, in a video message, praised the contributions of Indian Americans. “Georgia’s Indian American community has made great contributions to our state, strengthening our social, economic, and cultural fabric,” he said. “As we mark this occasion, we also celebrate the relationship between our nation and the ties we share with India.”
Dances performances in the festival. / Courtesy Photo.
More than 4,000 people attended the day-long program, which combined cultural performances, community service initiatives, and educational contests. Events included a health fair offering free screenings and consultations, competitive contests in chess, drawing, and public speaking, and for the first time, a flower show. Scholarships were also awarded to students for academic merit and community service.
Several Georgia officials attended the festival. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger highlighted shared democratic values between the U.S. and India, calling the community an important part of Georgia’s future. Senator Blake Tillery recognized Indian Americans’ contributions while stressing the need for what he called responsible immigration.
Community leaders echoed the sense of inclusion. Alfred John, Chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said, “This festival is a time to celebrate all that is India and all that it means to be Indian and of Indian origin.” Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson commended IACA for its “unwavering commitment to our community.”
The cultural program featured more than 70 performances, ranging from Bharatanatyam and Kathak to Bollywood medleys and folk traditions. “Festival of India brought together over 75 vibrant cultural presentations in music, dance, and art, creating an unforgettable celebration of Indian heritage,” said Dr. Raktim Sen, the festival’s cultural director.
Scholarships were also awarded to students for academic merit and community service. / Courtesy Photo.The health fair, a cornerstone of the event, served over 200 community members. “The IACA Health Fair 2025 was remarkable, not just for the medical care it provided but for the dedication and compassion of the volunteers,” said lead coordinator Sooryakumar Aparna Thoppan.
Vibrancy extended beyond the stage and clinics. Food stalls offered regional Indian cuisine, while vendors sold clothing, jewelry, and crafts. The flower show, coordinated by Neeta Shenvi, “brought color, vibrancy, and natural beauty to FOI, enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
Flower show. / Courtesy Photo.Reflecting on the broader meaning of the event, IACA President Dhananjay Gupta described the festival as “a sea where all the different rivers submerge themselves and become one identity.”
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