Cultures of India showcased

The wide array of cultures found in the subcontinent of India will find a showcase in Madison on India Day, this year Saturday, Sept. 9, on Library Mall.

Presented for 20 years by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), whose membership includes students, professionals, families and more, India Day has an ambitious mission, says Sarita Jha, AIA president.

“We want to foster and promote cultural and social interaction among our on members, as well as anyone interested in any aspect of Indian culture,” she says. “AIA also uses the event to raise political awareness among members and others regarding issues relevant to India and to people of Indian origin.”

Jha says visitors to India Day can expect dance demonstrations ranging from classical Bharatnatyam (a form of yoga designed to reveal spiritual insights through physical motion) to regional Indian dances to dances from contemporary films (India has one of the world’s largest film industries).

Food vendors also will offer an assortment, guaranteed to make choices difficult. The event itself is free and all are welcome. The Center for South Asia co-sponsors. The sire opens at 10:30 a.m. and will close around 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jha at 836-4022 or sarita_jha@lycos.com.