Indo-American Foundation of Arizona and sister organizations in the valley will celebrate Arizona Centennial, 100^th Birthday of Arizona Statehood, during the 14^th Annual Grand India Festival that will be held on Saturday March 24, 2012 at the Indo-American Community Center from 11:00 AM to 6:45 PM.

 

Arizona Centennial Theme will be incorporated throughout the day with all the festival activities. Special Exhibition Booth will showcase history of growth of the Indo-American community in Arizona, prominent Indo-Americans and their contributions, major accomplishments of the community and display of all posters by community children.

 

We have records to indicate that Asian Indians have been part of the AZ100 for more than 88 years. A farmer Mr. Diwan Singh, who came to USA in 1906, moved to Casa Grande in 1924 and played a significant role in the growth and development of the Casa Grande Valley by successfully growing cotton and being the first group of farmers to introduce mechanized farm implements to the Casa Grande Valley. We will try to invite the family members to the celebration.

 

We have invited India's Ambassador to USA Honorable Mrs. Nirupama Menon Rao to attend the program as Chief Guest. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Phoenix district 5 Councilman Daniel Valenzuela have graciously agreed to attend the festival celebrating Arizona Centennial. Cake cutting for “Happy 100^th Birthday to Arizona” will take place during the celebrations.

 

Festival will feature continuous entertainment on stage throughout the day. Program will include a variety of dances and musical performances ranging from popular fast paced Bollywood numbers to classical styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi. Over 150 artists both children and adults will participate. Participating dance schools inlcude – Arathi School of India Dances, Sampradaya Dance of India, Kala Kendra, Naach Dancing, Aashiyana etc. A special musical and dance tribute to “Celebrate 100 years of Arizona’s Statehood” will be one of the highlights of this festival. Other highlights include a Poster Contest open to children ages 5 – 16. The theme for poster contest is a) Impressions of Arizona –the first 100 years and b) Where do you see Arizona 100 years from now. 

 

India Festival at the Community center will provide an opportunity to taste delicious Food from various regions of India including delicacies from Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Bengal, Maharashtra and many other regions with food ranging from mouthwatering chaat to crisp paper masala dosas. You will get to purchase items from Food booths at the price of 2012 and 1912 to celebrate the Centennial. There will be also special AZ Centennial Dishes created by our own chefs in the food booths.

You will also have opportunity to experience Shopping for Jewelry, Sari, and Arts/Crafts from several businesses selling exotic items from India and much more.

 

Preparations for this annual festival are in full swing. Over the past several years the festival has emerged as one of the major ethnic community events in the valley showcasing not only the rich culture and art forms of India, but also the diversity of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The Board of Directors is working with sister organization leaders to ensure that the event is a grand success.  

 

Foundation Board of Directors intends to make the Temple debt free soon and would like to appeal to the community to support the Foundation by becoming life members. The Temple is the result of 15 years of planning, hard work and generous donation from several members of the Indo-American community. The Temple opened its doors on December 22, 2007. Please become part of this historic achievement in USA.

 

All community members are invited to join the celebrations and be a part of this historic and memorable event of Arizona Centennial. Arizona Celebrates 100 years only once!

 

The Community Center is located at 27^th Avenue and Maryland in Phoenix. Please arrive and park early at the Center or Temple since we are expecting more than 6000 attendees.

 

For additional information, please contact Kalpana Batni at 480-998-9325 for Cultural programs and poster contests, Kul Bhushan Chhibber at 480 250 0779, for Food Court, Neha Mallik at 623 451 9041, for Business Booths, Jagdish Sagar at 480 235 5001 for AZ Centennial Theme,  IACRF President Mahesh Shah at 480 544 9438 and IACRF Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Gautam Shah at 602 750 5122 for general information.