Roselle Park’s first “Festival of India” on Saturday, October 10th, drew a record crowd of over 600 people at the Roselle Park High School (RPHS) auditorium.
The celebration included traditional dishes that satisfied the palette as well as music and dance that entertained the senses. Food included Kichu, Samosa, and Khaman which were donated and provided by Bombay Spice II. Donations were also provided by Quality Auto Center, Rita Pharmacy, Dunkin Donuts, 7-Eleven, Roselle Park Liquors & Food, Super One Communications, the Indo American Seniors Associations of Union County, and Desi Bitz.
“Roselle Park is a rich tapestry of people and cultures,” said Rupen Shah, director of the Casano Center, “and we’re very pleased that these programs have attracted strong support and big turnouts.”
Popular singer Varsha Joshi sang Garba and Sanedo as people, young and old from all communities, joined in dance. Shivalay Dance Academy also performed various Indian Dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Bollywood with a special dance number.
Mr. Shah praised Roselle Park School District (RPSD) School Superintendent Pedro Garrido, RPHS Principal Ms. Sarah Costa, Ketan Amin, Harivardan Patel, Prakash Patel, Vithal Patel, KC Patel and Jashubhai Patel for helping to organize the event.
Mr. Shah also commended the volunteers who put time and effort into the event, including RPHS students Parth Shah, Janvi Patel, Ayushi Patel, Chand Patel, Jaipreet Uppal, Maitri Amin, Aarti Patel, and Shivani Patel.
Photographs courtesy of the Casano Community Center.