Linda Plaut shared insights on the Arts in the Park program and the India festival.

What value does the Arts in the Park program bring to the residents of Newton?
This year Newton was named by Money/CNN as the 4th best city in which to live in the United States and one of the reasons cited for giving Newton this award was the 'rich community life' Newton offers. Thousands of Newton residents of all ages, participate in activities, events, concerts and festivals planned by the Mayor's Office for Cultural Affairs that offer enjoyment, education, enrichment and a sense of community cohesiveness.

Why did you think of including an Indian cultural event to your event schedule? 

For many years we have sponsored summer outdoor heritage festivals and finally we were able to bring these festivals indoors to the Cultural Center. So many people from India participate in our programs and have their children enrolled in the Suzuki School of Music also located here at the Center, that I thought it would be a festival so many people would enjoy. The India Festival is second in a series of four. A Russian Festival launched the series last spring, and a Chinese Festival and a Latin American Festival will follow early in 2013.

Could you describe the event and what people could hope to see in the event?

An event filled day on Saturday, November 10 from 10-5pm will include in a beautifully decorated space, kids Activities, Indian crafts, music, carom boards,  classical dance and music, a fashion show showcasing regional costumes, henna, a cricket match and of course lots of delicious food. Everyone will conclude a joyous festival by joining in for Garba, Bhangra and Bollywood-style group dances at the end of the afternoon.
 

I would like to invite the South Asian Community to join the celebrations. We look forward to meeting the community on Saturday.