13th Annual Taste of India to Bring Indian Culture and Cuisine to Hampton Roads
April 19, 2019
The 13th annual Taste of India festival, to be held at Old Dominion University's Ted Constant Convocation Center, will bring the culture and cuisine of India to Hampton Roads on April 27.
The festival showcases the diversity and pageantry of Indian culture with food, vendors and an Indian fusion and Bhangra dance competition that has grown to include nine college teams from across the eastern U.S. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission and parking is free.
Old Dominion has been a sponsor of Taste of India since its inception. Vinod Agarwal, professor of economics and director of the University's Economic Forecasting Project, is one of the organizers.
"This event gives residents a taste of India without leaving Hampton Roads," Agarwal said. "As the world becomes a smaller and smaller place to in which to live, we need to be aware of cultural diversity around the globe by learning to ask questions and be inclusive."
Taste of India is one of the largest Asian Indian festivals in Virginia, attracting crowds of 7,000-10,000. The most popular, single-day cultural event organized by a single ethnic group in the region, Taste of India is a collaborative effort among hundreds of Indians living in Hampton Roads.
This year's theme is "Rivers: The Lifelines of India," which serves as a reminder to nurture and protect these natural resources not just in India, but worldwide.
Cultural programming will run throughout the day, culminating with the dance competition at 2:30 p.m. The contest, which awards $1,000 to the winning team, grew from demonstrations of traditional Indian dance.
Educational activities will also be conducted throughout the day, and a $5,000 Taste of India scholarship will be awarded to a senior graduating from a Hampton Roads high school. The winner will be selected by judges from The Virginian-Pilot.
For more information about the event, see the Taste of India website.
