The 2018 Indian Food Festival brought in thousands of diverse members of the community under the clear and sunny Las Vegas sky.  Las Vegans descended to downtown Las Vegas to enjoy the kaleidoscope of the colorful cultural heritage of India along with savory Indian street food offerings from the local Indian restaurants.

The multifaceted Indian culture, from Bollywood to traditional dances and mouth-watering food, was in full swing in downtown Las Vegas this past weekend.  From modern bhangra to traditional dances, to Bollywood DJ and even Acapella there was something for everyone during this year’s Indian Food & Cultural Festival.

The main attraction of the festival was undoubtedly a continuous non-stop entertainment from the local children in beautiful Indian outfits to many of the visiting University of Illinois and couple of California Universities’ Indian dance teams competing ferociously for a trophy and cash prizes.  The program started at noon with a dance group from the Sruti Performing Arts, followed by D&D Dance Group and others including students from the Nritya Academy of Las Vegas.  Other than entertainment and food, there were multiple vendors showcasing ladies Indian outfits, jewelry, books and other accessories.  Turban tying booth was busy continuously throughout the event with hundreds of attendees showcasing their colorful turbans for a day.  By early afternoon, the Amphitheater was packed with over two thousand attendees and long lines were seen where attendees clamoring for the taste of Indian cuisine.  Indian restaurant booths were doing brisk business showcasing their gourmet delights.  Some of the available dishes were specially prepared keeping in mind the diversity of attendees.  The offerings included –Gol Gappas, Chat Papdi, Pav Bhaji, Fish Pakodas, Chicken Kababs, selection of Dosas to full gourmet buffet, selection of Indian desserts/sweets, and kulfi along with the wide array of specially prepared drinks – Mango & Strawberry Lassi, Chai.

With early voting for primary elections starting in less than three weeks, the candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, running for numerous political offices across the state were politicking with the attendees.  Candidates attending the event included Wesley Duncan for Attorney General, Steve Sisolak for Governor, Aaron Ford for Attorney General, Scott Hammond for Congress, Steven Horsford for Congress, and a representative from the Congressional Candidate Susie Lee’s office.  Also seen in the crowd was current Congressman Ruben Kihuen. The former Congressman and the current candidate for Congress Steven Horsford was seen wandering lonely around at the festival grounds.  All the candidates were introduced and had an opportunity to address the attendees.

Paul Padda Law was the grand sponsor of 2018 Indian Food Festival.  The staff and attorneys’ of Paul Padda Law were present to get to know the community.  In addressing to the community from the main stage, Paul Padda said, “what we are really celebrating is South Asian cultural heritage as part of the larger American heritage – we love this country, we are part of this country, this is our country, and unity is our strength.”

“America is not defined by race or ethnicities, America as a country that defined by the principles and beliefs – beliefs we all share as proud Americans, beliefs of democracy, freedom of expression, a constitution of the United States,” said Paul Padda, Owner of the Paul Padda Law.  The firm gave away many prizes to the attendees.

During the closing hours, the security was called in to calm down few individuals involved in minor skirmishes. The credit for festivals’ success goes to the dozens of volunteers from Baba Deep Singh Gurdwara.  All the net proceeds will go to the Gurdwara for their routine programs and the construction of new prayer hall.  Check out the pictures…