Passage to India; Festival Aug. 19 celebrates culture.

Byline: Amanda Roberge

WORCESTER - The upcoming India Day celebration will be a feast for the eyes - with the movements and costumes of dancers, the traditional and beautiful clothing worn by women known as saris, and the inspirational artwork done in the form of mehandi, also known as henna tattoos.

The Indian culture is rich and varied, and the India Society of Worcester is set to share it with the community from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Italian-American Cultural Center, on Mulberry Street next to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The event is free.

But the day is more than a festive party - it is a celebration of freedom. India achieved independence from Great Britain on Aug. 15, 1947, with peaceful agreements. Organizers at ISW find it important to mark that accomplishment with an annual event that helps young Indians to learn of the heroes who devoted their lives to the dream of having that independence.

"Since this independence was gained without a war, it is important for all citizens to know about it," said ISW President Shri Garg. "It is due to (those who sacrificed their lives) that we are all enjoying the best of life in this world now."

About 200 participants take part in the program and present several shows, with dance and singing in traditional costumes. These participants are local people who devote their time and money for their performance.

"The India Society is very grateful to these participants for their devotion to ISW and to India Day," Mr. Garg said.

While the cultural program is going on, the public is invited to enjoy shopping and traditional Indian foods, which are available at an affordable price. There will be several shopping and display booths where vendors display or sell a variety of items.

Other programs throughout the day are a Children's Room, which is organized by ISW's Indian Youth Group, and a free medical clinic, where visitors can get a free screening (BP test, eye test, cholesterol check). The event will also feature the ancient art of mehandi, an intricate system of designs done on women's skin with a paste created from the henna plant.

According to Mr. Garg, booths will be open where people can get general information about religion, health, money management and other aspects of life in the states.

The annual festival is possible because of the dedication of Dr. Sahdev Passey and his wife, Carolyn. Dr. Passey, a pediatrician in Worcester, has chaired the program for the past 24 years.

"He has done so with the same devotion as our freedom fighters did for our country," said Mr. Garg. "There is a saying in India that one has to serve with `Tan, Man and Dhan.' It means that someone serves physically (Tan), intentionally (Man) and financially (Dhan). He did serve for this program with all the three items, and the Indian community will always be thankful to Dr. Passey for this."

To learn more, visit www.iswonline.org.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G File Photos/CHRISTINE PETERSON

CUTLINE: (1) Performing in last year's India Day were (left photo) Krish Asija, left, and Shivani Gupta; (2) (above) Karisma Lavana, center; (3) and (lower photo) Raghau Kanzaria, left, and Shoba Thirukkovalur. (4) Twins Kiara Lavana and Karisma Lavana watch the show from the side of the stage before their dance at last year's India Day. In background from left are Ahanya Jain, Sathi Patel, and Akshita Vaidyanathan.