Event Description
India, a nation pulsating with a billion-plus people, represents an intricate tapestry of cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. Linked by a shared narrative of history and united by social and political ideals, it strides confidently into the 21st century as a vibrant mosaic of identities.
The Festival of India in the Carolinas stands as a beacon of this rich diversity, offering a delightful platform for cultural exchange amidst joyous festivities. It is a window to the kaleidoscope of Indian heritage and aims to enrich the understanding of our fellow citizens, inviting them to immerse themselves in the treasures of an ancient civilization. As you walk along Tryon street, you are bound to be enticed by the auras and visuals that surround you with the vibrant showcases of art, crafts, languages, attire, and cuisine from every corner. No matter how you participate- whether you are getting your hands painted with some Henna or trying out yards upon yards of luxurious silk sarees or trying some authentic Indian food -- your senses are bound to be charmed, teased and lured into the magic of India!
Central to the festival's allure are captivating performances, uniting the best talents from our community in mesmerizing displays that blend the allure of Bollywood glamour with the elegance of classical Indian dance. Across generations, these performances educate and enchant, bridging cultural divides with every graceful movement.
Organized by the India Association of Charlotte, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the burgeoning Indian American community, the festival embodies a mission of cultural sharing and understanding. Through its endeavors, it aspires to elevate Charlotte into a global city, celebrated for its embrace of cultural diversity and its commitment to fostering unity in the heart of our Queen City.
Located at 130 N. Tryon St. (at the corner of 5th Street and North Tryon Street) and opened in 1992. Blumenthal Arts Center houses three performance spaces: Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, and Stage Door Theater.
Renowned architect Cesar Pelli designed the building housing these three theaters as well as the adjacent Bank of America Corporate Center and Founders Hall. A $15 million allocation from the State of North Carolina, $15 million more from a bond referendum approved by Charlotte’s citizens, and $32 million additional money contributed by individuals, corporations, and foundations were used to cover construction costs. After three years of construction, we opened our doors in November 1992. The Center’s name honors the generosity of the Blumenthal Foundation, the largest private donor to the capital campaign. Blumenthal’s flagship Belk Theater is named after the Belk Brothers Company, which donated a valuable piece of land in uptown Charlotte as the site for this beautiful arts complex.