About 500 people attended the grand festivities at the North Bergen Free Public Library’s Kennedy Branch on Saturday, May 9 when the town and library hosted “A Taste of India.”
In India, the holiday of Holi celebrates the coming of springtime with an exciting festival of vibrant colors. North Bergen’s event, held under a huge tent in the parking lot next to the library, was a riot of colorful dress both onstage and off, with many attendees showing up in traditional Indian attire to welcome the warm weather and enjoy the community, the entertainment, and the food.
The afternoon was part of the library’s continuing series of cultural events billed as “A Taste of…”, exposing residents to the customs and cuisines of a country or region. It followed last month’s hugely successful “A Taste of Italy” at the uptown library.
Library Director Sai Rao designed “A Taste of India” specifically to bring the festivities to the southern part of town. The Kennedy Branch Library is located at 2123 Kennedy Boulevard. Many members of the local Indian community live nearby.
Musicians performed onstage with traditional Indian instruments and dancers in vibrant costumes depicted scenes from Hindi lore.
____________
Performers included Soundarya Natya Kalalaya, the Khushi Dance Academy, Surati for Performing Arts, Sriyam Dance Academy, and Sourish Bandaru on violin.
Then it was time for the spectacular food, as the buffet tables opened with a wide variety of meat and vegetarian offerings, including items cooked on the spot. Catering was provided by Rasoi Restaurant and Rajbhog Sweets, both from nearby Jersey City.
In addition to host Rao, Mayor Nicholas Sacco greeted the crowd and welcomed them to the event. Joining him onstage were several town commissioners, along with Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari, former Hudson County Surrogate Donald Dileo, and various members of the Indian community.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.