26th Heritage of India Festival Returns to New York

VALHALLA, N.Y. — The 26th annual Heritage of India Festival will return to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla on Sunday, Aug. 2, bringing together cultural performances, traditional cuisine, educational exhibits and family activities in a celebration of India’s rich heritage and diversity.

Organized by the Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester (IACAW), the free festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family,” highlighting the values of unity, cultural exchange and community engagement.

Festival organizers said visitors can expect a full day of entertainment featuring classical and folk dance performances, live music, an Indian bazaar, authentic Indian cuisine and interactive activities for children and families. The event will also include the IACAW Heritage Ambassador booth, designed to educate visitors about India’s cultural traditions and heritage.

The festival is being led by Deputy Chair Vaishali Bhattacharyya, who also serves as advisor to the IACAW Youth Group, along with Festival Co-Chairs Pankaj Mehta, president of IACAW, and Harry Singh, president-elect. More than 25 volunteers have worked for months to organize this year’s event, reflecting the organization’s commitment to preserving and promoting Indian culture for future generations.

Now in its 26th year, the Heritage of India Festival has become one of the largest annual celebrations of Indian culture in the Northeast, attracting thousands of attendees from diverse backgrounds. Organizers say the event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience India’s traditions through music, dance, food and community interaction while fostering greater cultural understanding.

The Heritage of India Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, New York. Admission and parking are free. Additional information is available at www.iacaw.org