At Irvine Fest, Community Showcases Indian Dance, Fashion
India-West Staff Reporter
IRVINE, CA – The 23rd annual Irvine Global Village Festival, held here, on October 5 at the Great Park, served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and community building. This year’s festival showcased arts, cultural exhibits, food vendors, and a dedicated kids’ village.
Among the many participants, the OC India Association and the OC Indian Women Group played a key role in representing Indian culture. Founded by Dr. Seema Choudhary, the OC India Association aims to unite the Indian community in Orange County while sharing the richness of Indian traditions with a wider audience.
At this year’s festival, the association curated a lineup of performances offering a glimpse into India’s vibrant cultural heritage. One of the highlights was the Indian Kids Fashion Show, where young children confidently strutted the runway in traditional attire, proudly representing the colorful and intricate clothing styles from India’s diverse regions.
The Indian Ladies Fashion Show was another standout moment. The show featured a display of sarees, lehengas, and fusion outfits, seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles. The grace and elegance of the women captivated the audience as they embodied the essence of Indian fashion.
Additionally, an Odissi classical dance performance was presented by students from the Shankra Dance Academy. The dancers, through their graceful movements and expressive storytelling, beautifully conveyed the spirit of one of India’s oldest and most refined dance forms.
The energy soared with a spirited Bhangra performance by Gagandeep Singh and his team from Bhangra by Nature. Their powerful moves and lively beats had the crowd clapping and dancing along, making it one of the festival’s most exhilarating segments.
The day also featured an upbeat Zumba session infused with traditional Punjabi dhol beats, led by Monica and Neil Pal. This fusion of fitness and cultural rhythms added a fresh and energetic vibe to the event, engaging the audience in a fun, interactive way.
