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Edison, USA, 1991

Edison, USA 1991
Cultural Festival of India, USA

The Cultural Festival of India Captures America :

The 34 ft high traditional Elephant Archway was made of bamboo and burlap

The spectacular 'Cultural Festival of India', staged in Edison, New Jersey, was by far the biggest festival organised in the U.S.A. by a minority community. From 12th July to 11th August, for 31 glorious days, multitudes of visitors savoured the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Using materials as simple as cane, bamboo, burlap and paper pulp, exquisite artwork was created. The messages were universal and tangible; the presentations were aesthetic and inspiring and the atmosphere was original and congenial.


Magnificent Peacock Gate - grand archway to the 40 acre CFI ground






Highlights & Achievements:
  • 1.2 Million visitors during 31-days from July 12 through August 11, 1991 at Middlesex County College campus of 200 Acres in Edison, NJ.
  • 4 beautiful temples, 5 arresting archways and 23 cultural spots all back-dropped against 40 acres of landscaped gardens and cascading fountains.
  • 3 extraordinary exhibitions: 'India - a Cultural Millionaire', 'In the Joy of Others Lies Our Own' and 'Beautiful Borderless World' depicted India's wonders and wisdom through modern displays.
  • A dynamic volunteer force of 2100, consisted of doctors, engineers, accountants, teachers, housewives and even NASA scientists! A youth volunteer task force of 1100 talented teenagers.
  • Evenings were filled with music, folk-dances and lectures.
  • Special Conferences and Conventions.
  • 26 folk dances, weekend Cultural Parades and 3 dramas were performed by a team of over 150 children and teenagers.
  • An Indian Village replete with craftsmen, artists, puppet shows and bazaars.
  • Computer and video booths taught thousands of children about India's heritage.
Selected pictures of this festival are available in Photo Gallery.

© 1999, Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Swaminarayan Aksharpith