Spend a day in India

Brightwater Commons will be turned into a corner of India for the day, when India Club celebrates the 65th Indian Independence Day.
A KALEIDOSCOPE of colourful garments, hand-made jewellery, sweetmeats, and curries will bring India to Joburg for the annual Incredible India Day.

Experience the beauty of Indian artExperience the beauty of Indian artThis year, the sub-continent celebrates the 65th Indian Independence Day on 15 August. It is a national holiday in India, with flag-hoisting ceremonies and sweets handed out.

With its strong ties to India, South Africa will also be celebrating. Incredible India Day takes place on 13 August at Brightwater Commons in Randburg, from 10am to 4pm.

It will offer visitors a visual – and tasty – journey into the south Asian country. Entrance is free.

Hosted by the India Club, there will be family entertainment, showcasing the folk arts and traditions of India with more popular genres, says Naufal Khan, the public relations officer for the event.

India is the world’s seventh-largest country and its second most populous, with over 1,2 billion people.

“Bargain shopping of wares from India and everything Indian alike. From foods, clothing, home décor and entertainment there is something for everybody. Henna artists and supplies will also keep the ladies amazed with the [body] artwork that you can have done,” he says about plans for the day.

India Club also has a jam-packed line-up to keep everyone entertained.

They will be able to “witness a traditional Bengali marriage [and] enjoy a spectacular display of Eastern Indian folk dance by the Assamese dancers, who will be flown in for this special landmark celebration by India Club in South Africa”.

“It is with the support of the local South African community and related organisations that this event has materialised to be bigger and better this year and with the intent of taking this nationally in 2012,” Khan adds.

Mystery prizes will be given away and bhangra, that unmistakeable Bollywood-style party music, will keep people on their feet.

Apart from all the shopping and entertainment, festivalgoers will also be able to sample the wide selection of food that will be on offer. There will also be ample parking and covered seating.