By Charley Falkenburg, Special to the Packet
WEST WINDSOR — Thousands of people traveled abroad over the weekend without ever having to present a passport or even leave the country. Instead, they headed to Mercer County Park where Bollywood music boomed, samosas were abundant and women strolled around in vibrant silk sarees with each one appearing to be brighter than the next.
Officials estimated around 17,000 people came out for the 12th annual Indo-American Fair, which was organized by the nonprofit Shirdi Sai Dahm Inc. From India’s runway ready fashions and traditional jewelry to Indian handicrafts and entertainment, families and friends were able to learn about and immerse themselves in South Asian culture on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.
"For us, in a day and world were people have so much animosity, we’re trying to bring brotherhood and having a cultural connection is key," said Venkat Shan, a member of Shirdi Sai Dahm. "The exchanging of cultures is the most important and when you mix fun and enjoyment into it — who doesn’t like that?"
Like years prior, a big component of the fair was the entertainment. With chaat and naan in hand, many flocked to a large tent to sit and enjoy Bollywood and ethnic dances and live performances by the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singers and famous Bollywood starlet Esha Deol. There was also a karaoke competition and a special show where kids were able to go up and bust a few moves.
"This fair helps keep Indian culture alive; it’s a platform where everyone can come and get in tune with the culture," said Rajesh Anand, the chairman of the event. "Children can come to the stage and performing gives them a strength and helps them grow."
There were also more than 40 vendors ranging from local Indian fashion businesses to Indian crafters based out of Georgia, Boston, New York, Pennsylvania and even India. Many tents were packed with embroidered sarees and leggings of fuschias, oranges and deep blues, light, airy kurti tops and jewelry such as chunky bangles and thick necklaces.
And when children weren’t bee-lining for the inflatable rides, they were surrounding Josh Tremblay of East Brunswick who was operating a high school level robotics machine that went by the name of Brutus. He was there demonstrating just one of the many activities offered by STEAM Works Studio, a Princeton based company that teaches and develops science, math and art skills in children and young adults from 6 to 16-years-old using a hands-on approach.
"We want to teach kids to build things by hand," said owner Shubhendu Das. "When you build things by hand, that sticks in your head forever."
