FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT – The first Festival of India was in July 1987 at Stevens Point Area Senior High and was organized by UWSP Student Organization South Asia Society, Women in Higher Education, local and Indian Immigrants Community, Student organization and faculty Peace Club at SPASH.

The event was one of the first to introduce the dances, music, cuisine and many aspects of a 5,000-year-old culture. The event also enhanced the friendship and understanding among local community members and Indians.

The event filled other needs as well.

Indian folk dances and Bollywood dances were suddenly being taught at UWSP and dance schools in Stevens Point and Wausau. Courses on India in areas like philosophy, psychology and the arts were also added at UWSP.

Music and dance artists were invited back by UWSP’s Fine Arts College and they taught music and dance to college students in person and online.

Indian food is also now enjoyed by many in central Wisconsin. Shama’s Indian Food Stall is very popular at Portage County Culture Fest and at Jazz Fest, UWSP at Marshfield’s Cultural Festival and at the Renewable Energy Fair.

Workshops on yoga, meditations, Indian cooking, dancing, Bollywood, and more have become popular.

In 2000, the Festival of India became a 501(c)3 organization with a new name – Shama, Inc.

Shama dancers are invited to places like Wausau, Marshfield, Appleton, Fond du Lac, EauClaire, Milwaukee, Madison, Medford and even Chicago. Shama members are invited to give talks at schools, women’s groups, Rotary clubs and more.

The 37th Annual Festival of India will be held at Schmeeckle Reserve, 2419 North Point Drive, Stevens Point, on Saturday, Aug. 26 from Noon to 5 p.m.

Entertainment includes multiple musical and dance stage performances, along with social dancing featuring Bollywood music. There will also be workshops, meditation, yoga an Indian wedding and much more. Buffet serving runs from Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced tickets are available at Stevens Point Area Co-Op, Kindred Spirits, J&R Liquor, Dan’s Liquor Dispensary and online at shamainc.org. Ticket prices go up after Aug. 15.