Hindu Temple Hosts 16th Annual "Festival of India" in Toledo

August 4, 2005

Source: The Toledo Blade

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050804/ART05/508040325/-1/ART

On August 4, 2005 The Toledo Blade reported, "The 16th annual Festival of India is being called Utsav, the Sanskrit word for celebration, as members of the Hindu Temple of Toledo share their culture and achievements with the community this weekend. Among the highlights at this year's festival will be a jugalbandhi concert featuring a duet with sitar and tabla... [Saumin Mehta, festival co-chairman] said festival organizers made an effort to offer a broad sampling of culture from India, including food, dance, costumes, music, and art. Tomorrow evening, an estimated 150 children will dress in colorful costumes representing an Indian tradition that is similar in some ways to Halloween, although the origins of the holiday are quite different, Mehta said... On Saturday and Sunday, the festival events will include a carnival for children, with an area set up with inflatable games, henna painting, and more. Many vendors will be selling the seasoned vegetarian foods and snacks of India, as well as regional clothing and jewelry."