Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with the NC Blogger Network.
My family and I moved to the Charlotte area about 18 months ago. Aside from a few school events, and some lunches Uptown, we haven’t really ventured out much in the area. And what a shame that is because Charlotte’s Got a Lot to offer, whether you are a singleton or a family of 7!
I was thrilled when I was approached by NC Blogger Network to cover the 21st Annual Festival of India on September 12th and 13th! Especially when I saw the lineup of activities: Yoga, Mehndi (henna tattoos), saris, dancing, music, and so much food! Something for everyone to enjoy. The tickets cost only $6 (under 10 were free) and I will say they were worth every penny.
Festival of India
When we arrived we walked through Bank of America Founders Hall where the festival showcased artists of Indian heritage from the local Charlotte community. The use of vibrant color was spectacular! Although my girls were excited to get to the festival itself, we spent quite a lot of time meandering through the art.
When we entered the main floor of the Belk Theater to get our wrist bands, we were blown away by all the gorgeous saris, kurtas & pathani suits.
I briefly met with Toni Sawhney, one of the Festival of India sponsor liaisons, who explained there were three floors of exhibits in the theater, plus the main stage which would have shows going on throughout the day. Then outside we would find another stage with performances, as well as food and souvenir vendors lining the street.
Toni then introduced us to Mr. C. Lal Vishin, President of the India Association of Charlotte, and co-founder of the festival 21 years ago. He welcomed us to the festival and we chatted for a few minutes discussing what the festival had to offer.
After visiting the Food Lion, Bank of America and Belk sponsor tables we headed upstairs to check out the exhibits.
The first thing my girls wanted to do was visit the Mehndi tables. There where several artists to help pick your design and apply the henna tattoos. The girls were so happy with their results we came back on the second day and they all got another one!
Then, for just $2.00, the girls were able to rent a sari for the day. They had so many beautiful saris to choose from it was a difficult decision to pick one. 
Over one billion people live in India’s numerous regions. Because of the size of the country, it would be a formidable task to present it within the constraints of space and time. So the main exhibit was broken down into four broad regions of India to give a glimpse into the country. 
Over the two days inside the theater and outside on the stage more than a thousand artists performed Indian Traditional Dances, Bollywood Dances and on Charlotte Idol–“an adaptation of the popular American Idol format for giving a platform to budding singers”.
Didn’t make it out to the Festival of India in #Charlotte today? No worries! Come Uptown Sunday, check out the amazing Indian food, gorgeous clothes and lively shows. Starts at noon and goes to 7 pm. #outaboutnc @charlottesgotalot #NCBN #NCBNcampaign #CharlottesGotalot #ad A video posted by Kate, My Mommy Brain (@mym0mmybrain) on
Outside the theater there were several blocks of souvenir and food vendors. The sights and smells were just amazing.
Colors of The Festival of India @charlottesgotalot #indiafestival #outaboutnc #Charlotte #ad #NCBN #NCBNcampaign #FestIndiaCLT A photo posted by Kate, My Mommy Brain (@mym0mmybrain) on
So yummy. Chicken & tofu biryani, samosas, chicken and veg rice The Festival of India @charlottesgotalot #indiafestival #outaboutnc #Charlotte #ad #NCBN #NCBNcampaign #FestIndiaCLT A photo posted by Kate, My Mommy Brain (@mym0mmybrain) on
If you missed the Festival of India, don’t worry there are plenty more events happening in Charlotte! As I said #CharlottesGotALot! Be sure to check out the Charlotte calendar of events to see what is up for next weekend!
Personally, after sampling all the amazing food at the Indian festival, I’m dying to check out A Culinary Trip through Uptown – Tour De Food.
Who’s with me?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with the NC Blogger Network.
This seems like such a great educational day, too in addition to fun. So much to learn about the culture and I love how it was divided up into parts. We have so much to offer in North Carolina, and Charlotte is a great example of what you can find in our largest cities. I was there briefly for a wedding this past weekend and checked out the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. It was so neat. I hope you get out more. Leigh
We had so much fun at the festival! We are now making plans to take advantage of more fun things to do in Charlotte. I was really surprised how many events are going on in the city. Love the Charlotte’s Got A Lot calendar! We found so many great new places to visit this month and looking forward to all the amazing fall festivals next month!
That sounds like such a lovely festival! What a way to learn about new cultures.
Wow looks like such a fun festival, my family would have loved it! The food also looks amazing!
So affordable for so many activities! The henna is beautiful!
How amazing! I'd love to be a part of that festival. I find Indian culture to be very interesting.
This looks like a fun festival. I really like the henna tattoos and the food looks good.
Sounds like a really fun festival. Looks like there was a lot to do and see. I bet everyone learned a lot.
This is so cool. It would be awesome to learn and explore during this event.
What an amazing cultural experience! The culinary treats looked pretty amazing too 😉
Oh my word, this looks amazing! What a cool thing to get to attend!
That looks like so much fun! I’m on the other side of the state, but love visiting Charlotte.
That henna is gorgeous! And I love me some Indian food! This looked like fun!
What a fantastic festival. I love that they rented saris too. We had an Indian couple as next door neighbors when I was growing up. The wife made saris for the girls in the neighborhood and made the most delicious chicken.
What beautiful pictures of The Festival of India. I know the kids enjoyed their Henna tattoos. What beautiful designs. Thanks for sharing the fun with us.
I would adore the opportunity to explore Charlotte. It sounds like so much fun. I know my family would have a blast at this particular event, especially renting saris.
It’s important to teach your kids to understand and appreciate different cultures! They need to know that every group of people has their own traditions that are just as important as our own!
This sounds and looks like a lot of fun. I love learning about different cultures, and this looks like a great time.
I have always been so fascinated my Indian culture and am a huge fan of Indian food as well. This festival looks like something I would have really enjoyed!
What a great day! I’d love to try a sari!
Looks like you had a great day learning about and experiencing India!
I just love local ethnic festivals like these! It is such a great and fun way to learn about other cultures. 🙂 This one looks amazing! Indian culture is so beautiful and bright and colorful! And don’t get me started on Indian food… delicious! So jealous- wish we had something like this near us.
I always love to admire the fun and bright colors of Indian fashion. This sounded like a really fun event!
How fun is that! Love those henna tattoos.
This looks REALLY fun! We love taking our daughter to festivals!
This sounds like an amazing Festival. I have always wanted to try henna on my hands and feet. It looks so pretty.
I TOTALLY would want to rent a sari for the day too! Cute henna tattoos and so much culture! Love it
The India Festival looks like so much fun, visiting India is on my bucket travel list for sure, but for now local festivals are probably the closest I will come too! LOL 🙂
The clothing is so beautiful! I love the henna tattoos also, I have always wanted one. This looks like a really great festival to attend.
This sounds like such a fun festival. Clearly Charlotte does have a lot to offer. Fab!
I am so glad I came across your blog. Here in Burlington, there isn’t much in the way of cultural activity. Raleigh and Greensboro are close enough, but I don’t have a car.