The miracle and flamboyance of India sparked to life at the Shadow Mountain High School Auditorium in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday August 25th at the India Night 2007, Independence Day Celebrations.

Talented young singers from the community kicked off the evening with the American National Anthem and the Indian National Anthem. Performers twirled in colorful dress on a stage flanked by the stars and stripes and the orange-, green-and-white flag of India. A wide variety of items were presented, by performers, some as young as 4 years old. The creativity and talent of the Phoenix valley was truly showcased at the event.

Arty Kumar, former Mrs Arizona India, was the Master of Ceremonies. Children and adult dancers performed classical, folk and modern 'Bollywood' dances from India. The Desi Devils wow'd the crowd with their rendition of popular tunes from Hindi movies. The relevance of the celebration was portrayed dramatically with 'Freedom Mantra' a medley of recitation 'Lalkaar', song 'Aye Mere Watan Ke logon' and dance based on 'Vande Mataram'.

The event drew a crowd of nearly 550. The audience's enthusiasm and appreciation of the event made the evening doubly special.

Sarbari Chowdhury, president of the Indian Association of Phoenix, said she was very proud of the quality of the program, especially the involvement of the children, as it showcased the engagement of the young generation with India culture.

Food served this year had a South Indian flavor, idli and vada and tamarind rice, and was appreciated by the attendees.

The India Association of Phoenix's mission is to facilitate integration of the community of Indian heritage into our new homeland the United Sates of America, while upholding the highest democratic ideals and traditions embodied in the body politic of India and the United States.

The India Association of Phoenix also holds an annual Discover India Festival. This festival is similar to an Indian 'Mela' with food, music, dance, booths where clothing, jewellery and other items from the Indian subcontinent are sold. This event is held on the third Sunday of November and with each passing year has drown more and more crowds.