THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996 TAG: 9608160055
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 42 lines
WITH THE zing of curry and the flash of a colorful sari, India Fest debuts in Norfolk on Saturday.
The inaugural event, sponsored by the Asian Indians of Hampton Roads, will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Webb Center at Old Dominion University.
``We have noticed a lot of curiosity in people to understand about Indian people, Indian festivals, Indian culture and Indian language,'' said Jagdish Singh, a festival spokeswoman. ``We thought this is the best way to introduce ourselves in an American community where so many other ethnic groups are living.
``So many people - it is amazing! - still believe that India is where cows walk the streets and there are snake charmers on every corner. India is not that. It's much more. It's a beautiful country, with many languages and religions and beautiful people.''
While the festival is designed to illuminate the non-Indian population, Singh said the event will help educate the younger generation of Indians here, too.
``We see a lot of need for our children, growing up, to teach them our language, our culture, our customs,'' she said. ``We have a lot of teenagers participating.''
Festival tastes include chicken tikka, a curry with rice; dosas, a south Indian dish with lentils and rice and coconut chutney; samosas, white flour dough stuffed with potatoes; and jalebi, a sweet dish much like a funnel cake dipped in syrup.
There will also be dancing and stalls selling clothes, jewelry, Asian drugs and groceries. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
IF YOU WANT TO GO
What: India Fest
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today
Where: Webb Center, Old Dominion University, Norfolk
How much: Admission is free.
Call: 484-7910.
by CNB