Celebrating American and Indian culture, Columbia County’s Performing Arts Center hosted the Indo-American Cultural Association of the CSRA’s 77th annual India Day on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Honoring India’s Independence Day, the Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee started the program by proclaiming Aug. 26 as the county’s official India Day to recognize the IACA community.
With intricate choreography, colorful costumes and upbeat music, several performers showcased the various traditions and languages of India.
Dancers ranged from six to 60-years-old and included families and friends who sought to interest audiences in the diverse culture of Indian people.
Columbia County commissioners proclaim Aug. 26 as the county’s official India Day in honor of the community’s Indo-American Cultural Association. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Choreographed by Sahej Mander, performers dance Shan Punjab Di at the 2023 India Day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Inspired by village wedding traditions in India, female participants from the Omkaara Dance Studio perform Ooru Sambaraalu at the 2023 India Day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Participants of the Shan Punjab Di section of India Day included: Sahej Mander, Gurpreet Kaur, Ishita Suhag, Riya Sondhi, Suhani Mander, Kristeena Kumar, Snoop Kaur, Sahib Dhaliwal, Jasmin Singh, Armanjot Kaur, Arnav Singh, Jasria Kaur, Harnoor Kaur, Aarush Garg, Sariksha Garg, Hakam Singh Manhani and Gurnoor Singh Farmaha. Staff photo by Liz Wright.The youngest performers of the event danced in the Qawwali portion of India Day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.The Shan Punjab Di portion of the program was directed by Sahej Mander, Gurpreet Kaur and Kulvinder Kaur. Staff Photo by Liz Wright.Dancing with decorative sticks, female performers of the “Village Festivities” portion of India Day included: Kavya Kumbhani, Aahana Kolhe, Riddhi Boga, Anaya, Sara Maria, Aadhya Kota, Anti Reddy, Minchu Shivaram, Mahika Dobbala, Neha Manoj, Aaron Reddy, Anika Kota, Bela Karia, Siya Patel, Pranita Akella, Hannah Thomas, Ava Thomas, Kavya Patel, Krishna Patel, Rashmi Karanth, Kavana Reddy, Kasha Yoga and Nacha Bala Ramanathan. Staff photo by Liz Wright.With upbeat music, performers donned sunglasses and smiled wide as they danced. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Young performers clapped and hopped around the stage as they danced joyfully together. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Inspired by Bollywood movies and music, dancers moved in time to fast-paced rhythms. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Competitive ice skater, Veda Rao, performs Adenamma Harudu. Staff photo by Liz Wright.With bells around her ankles, Veda Rao, held striking poses on stage as directed by Padmaja Dharnipragada. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Many performers wore traditional decorative jewelry for their dances on India Day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Wearing colorful costumes, female performers showcased Indian traditions through dance and song. Staff photo by Liz Wright.Inspired by small village wedding traditions in India, female participants from the Omkaara Dance Studio perform Ooru Sambaraalu at the 2023 India Day. Staff photo by Liz Wright.
Liz Wright started with The Augusta Press in May of 2022, and loves to cover a variety of community topics. She strives to always report in a truthful and fair manner, which will lead to making her community a better place. In June 2023, Liz became the youngest recipient and first college student to have been awarded the Georgia Press Association's Emerging Journalist of the Year. With a desire to spread more positive news, she especially loves to write about good things happening in Augusta. In her spare time, she can be found reading novels or walking her rambunctious Pitbull.
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