The Festival of India is a time to celebrate.
“Life is all about celebration,” said Prashant Jani, the mastermind behind the increasingly popular event.
“It’s a celebration of our culture, sharing our culture and being part of the community,” he said of the upcoming event.
The fourth annual Festival of India is set for July 16 at Marina Park. The party starts at 5 p.m. and continues to 9 p.m.
The festival will feature food, live dance and musical performances, exhibits on Indian life, children’s activities and an Indian bazaar.
Jani said the first time they held the festival saw 1,500 people attend. Last year they were up to 4,000.
They served 3,000 people at the free vegetarian feast.
“This year we are prepared to serve 5,000,” Jani said.
What makes the festival unique is everything is free of charge, he added.
There is no cost of admission, the feast is free and the entertainment is free.
“Love comes at no cost,” Jani said with a laugh. “It’s all a labour of love.”
While donations help cover the cost of the festival, the aim is not to make money.
“It adds to the multicultural aspect of Thunder Bay,” Jani said. “It’s another way to get involved with everyone around. It helps to connect everyone.”
Jani said it also helps the hundreds of students from India who attend Lakehead University and Confederation College.
“When they see something like this going on, they feel like part of the community,” he said.
