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Sahan Journal
IndiaFest, Afrocentric music festival and Japanese Obon light up Twin Cities
By Myah Goff,
20 hours ago
The Twin Cities art scene will host three cultural festivals this weekend celebrating Indian, African and Japanese heritage.
IndiaFest marks India’s Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and dance performances at the Minnesota State Capitol. The Obon Festival honors ancestors through traditional Japanese arts and ceremonies. In Bloomington, the On The One music festival showcases local Black and African artists.
Minnesota political leaders raise a flag during 2023’s IndiaFest in St. Paul. Credit: Indian Association of Minnesota
IndiaFest returns with Bollywood dance party
The Indian Association of Minnesota (IAM) will host its 39th annual IndiaFest on Saturday at the state Capitol grounds, celebrating India’s Independence Day, which is officially observed on August 15. The event includes musical performances by local community groups and a bustling bazaar offering Indian crafts, home decor and traditional clothing.
“We want to educate the broader Minnesota society about Indian culture, art, traditions and heritage. This festival is inviting to all people from all backgrounds,” said Meena Bharti, the president of IAM.
Since its establishment in 1985 as “India Day” at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, IndiaFest has significantly expanded, attracting up to 20,000 visitors annually. The festival relocated to the Capitol in 2009 to accommodate growing interest from the Indian community and general public.
One of the festival’s highlights is the flag raising ceremony with the Indian and American flags, symbolizing the dual heritage of the Indian diaspora in Minnesota.
“We acknowledge our Indian roots, but we also recognize the United States as our country,” Bharti said.
Members of Ozone Creations pose in front of the downtown St. Paul skyline. From left to right: Breezy2Fresh, Ch!nwe, Mack OC (sitting), Sumer, Obi Original, Bakarii. Credit: Eujay Doe
Afrocentric artists take stage at Bloomington
The Avant Garde production company will host the third annual “On The One” music festival, featuring Twin Cities artists performing R&B, neo-soul, reggae, Afrobeats, jazz, hip-hop and spoken word.
Performers spar during the Japanese Obon Festival at Como Park in St. Paul. Credit: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Japanese festival to light up Como Park
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will host the Japanese Obon Festival , offering a day of ancestral remembrance with a lantern lighting ceremony. Coinciding with Japan’s annual Obon holiday, which is observed from August 13-15, the event also celebrates Japanese culture through martial arts demonstrations, music performances and traditional cuisine.
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