Indian Cultural Festical Comes to Ware Center, 3/22

"UTSAV - Indian Arts Festival," - which is sponsored and organized by The Indian Organization of Lancaster County -- is a full program of Indian culture - dance and dancing, music, artwork, food, comedy, and socializing. The Festival is being held at the Ware Center | Millersville University, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA. The Festival is open to everyone involved with or interested in Indian culture.

The Festival kicks off with a social hour starting at 4pm. Guests will have a chance to mingle while munching on some delicious Indian appetizers like Samosa Chaat (vegetarian savory pastry) and Chicken Chatpata (pan fried , wonderfully flavored chicken).

An "Incredible India" art exhibit of the rich cultural heritage of India and how it relates to the everyday life of modern India will also be on display in the lobby. The art was organized by Madhurita Banerjee and includes work depicting "Languages of India" (Adil Amanullah), "Historic Landmarks) (Naina Balepur), "Medicine" (Akash Banerjee), "Politics" (Dhruv Marwaha), "Food & Culinary Arts" (Adeet Parikh), "History of Yoga" (Saryu Patel), "The Art of Henna" (Ameera Syed), "Religions in India" (Anam Syed), "The Taj, a Wonder of the World" (Nawal Syed). "Cricket" (Zayn Syed), "Festivals" (Mahisha Tanna) and "Dance" (Manushi Tanna.

At 5 pm, the Festival official kicks-off with an evening of cultural programming beginning with a welcome address by the Organizer, Indian Organization of Lancaster County as well as Mayor Rick Gray.

The first segment of the program features Legendary Indians -- a glimpse of some of the past and present Indians who are legendary in their respective field of politics, sports, finance, music and movies -- presented by young performers between the ages of 8 - 13. Ten Portrayals include historic figures such as Mahatma Gandhi (Aayush Iyer) to Indira Gandhi (Isha Deshpande). This part is presented by Sneha Mittal.

Get ready to laugh out loud next with Rubi Nicholas, selected Nick@Nite's "Funniest Mom in America." As a first generation Muslim woman of Pakistani descent, Rubi Nicholas is the antithesis of what one would expect with such a strong ethnic background. Born to a culture steeped in the tradition of the quiet, compliant female, Rubi breaks the mold. Far from choosing the typical life as an obedient wife, she has walked a variety of career paths, chosen a non-traditional family route and now, has succeeded in breaking even more rules.

Rubi's humor incorporates her ethnic heritage, her family life and the antics of her two little girls. Her ability to weave together her story and allow the audience to experience her life while thinking about the ways in which we can all find common ground is a remarkable experience. From parents to parenting, culture clashes to kids, Rubi understands what makes us laugh.

Raag and Jaaz follows - a music medley program combining Bollywood songs with Indian classical improvisation and a western jazz element of saxophone. The concept is conceived by Vishwas Seshadri and Vidya Sridhar and presented by Vishwas Seshadri, Vidya Sridhar and Sashank Sridhar.

After a brief intermission, the second half of the cultural program will feature various Indian dance styles such as Ganesh Prayer/Shloka and Shivanjali (prayer dances); Shiva Tandav (a classical dance style); Shiva Dance (a fusion dance), Bollywood Folk Dance, Yoga Dance and others.

A sumptuous dinner of authentic Indian cuisine will follow the cultural program. Enjoy the many flavors with friends and family in the beautiful atrium at the Ware Center. Entrees include vegetable korma (mixed vegetables cooked in a rich creamy cashew nut sauce), Chhole (chickpeas and onions in a mildly spiced tomato gravy), chicken tikka masala (an all-time favorite with succulent grilled chicken breast cooked in a rich creamy tomato sauce) served along with naan (bread) rice and raita (fresh yoghurt salad).

A variety of desserts including the popular gulab jamuns (fried milk balls in rose scented syrup), rastana (mini cheese patties in a sweetened milk base).

And now...let's burn those calories off by heading to the dance floor! Bollywood comes to the Ware Center lobby with lights, contemporary music and much more.

Tickets: $31 general, $16 children ages 5-18, free children under 5. Call 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308. Online at www.artsmu.com. In person at the Ware Center Box Office (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or the SMC building on the MU campus. Please purchase tickets in advance. No tickets will be available the day of the Festival. Discount parking vouchers are available for the Prince Street Garage, located at the corner of North Prince Street and West Orange.