The main focus of the event is to share our Indian heritage, tradition, and culture, with our American friends,” says Rajesh Anand of West Windsor, one of the founders of the Indian Mela 2006, the Indo-American Fair to be held at Mercer County Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3.
The organization presenting the event, Shirdi Sai Dham, is a nonprofit religious and cultural association based in West Windsor. The group’s previous events have included Indian Mela in the past three years, Diwali celebrations, Bollywood concerts, and celebrations of the many Hindu religious festivals.
“Attendees have really demonstrated a keen and deep interest in the various facets of art and culture of India presented at previous fairs,” Anand says. At Mercer Park there will be displays of handicrafts, artifacts, jewelry, traditional and ethnic fashions, children’s rides, picture frames, religious items, and entertainment.
“The exotic Indian food from will surely remind every one of the true culture and taste of India,” says Anand. Ganges Restaurant, located in West Windsor, is only one of many serving Indian cuisine. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods will be available from restaurants from Edison, Iselin, Lawrenceville, and even Virginia.
“The fair gives New Jersey artists a chance to present their work,” he says. The Prema Dance School and Sudha Rajan School of Dance, both based in West Windsor, will present folk and filmi (Indian popular music written and performed for Indian cinema) dances. Miki Patel’s School of Dance, based in Plainsboro, will perform devotional songs with actions. Edison-based Nrityanjali School of Dance presents Bharatyanatam, a regional dance from India.
Madan Madi from New York City and Sunny Singh from Iselin present Dohl drum performances. Netri Pandya, a vocalist from Philadelphia, also performs filmi. Rhythms of Dance and Music School will present one Odissi folk dance and national anthems will be played on violin by Prachi Shah.
Bal Vikas Dance School from East Windsor presents a fashion show featuring Shakshi Boutique items with Indian silk fabrics and handmade silver jewelry with semi precious stones.
Anand, a computer analyst and the board chairman of the organization, was born in India and came to the United States in 1995. His wife, Arun Anand, a librarian, is a chief trustee for Shirdi Sai Dham. They live in the Estates at Princeton Junction and have two grown daughters. Yah Paul Soi of West Windsor is also a chief trustee. “He is guiding us to promote the art and cultures, heritage, and handicrafts of India among our friends and children,” says Anand.
“The Indo-American Fair seeks wider participation of the South Asian community and our American friends to come and enjoy the different tastes of India,” says Anand.
Indo-American Fair 2006, Shirdi Sai Dham, Mercer County Park, West Windsor, 609-275-1334. www.indo-americanfair.com. Free. Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
