Events: Punjabi Spring Festival in Cary
Story from staff reports. Photo by Frank Peters.
Cary, NC – Here’s an upcoming event we had to highlight: the first-ever Baisakhi Mela at Booth Amphitheatre this Saturday, April 2, 2011.
From BaisakhiFestival.com:
Baisakhi Festival falls on April 13th or April 14th and marks the beginning of the solar year. People of North India, particularly Punjab, give thanks for a good harvest. Visit to Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), Baisakhi processions and traditional performances are the highlights of the day. Baisakhi has special significance for Sikhs commemorating day in 1699 that their tenth Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, organized the order of the Khalsa.
Cary’s first Baisakhi Mela is sure to be packed with stage entertainment by Bhangra and Giddha dancers and Indian martial artists, plus performances by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (musical contest show) winner Ishmeet Narula and famous Punjabi singer Sukhwinder Panchi. Ethnic food and goods, arts and crafts will be for sale rounding out the event, which is being presented by the Town of Cary and Punjabi Unlimited.
“We are pleased to offer another seasonal festival opportunity for our citizens to celebrate and experience Indian culture,” said Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager.
Based on the Town’s biennial survey, not only is Cary’s second largest population Asian, but Hindi is the most predominate foreign language. In addition to Baisakhi, the Town of Cary partners with community cultural organizations to celebrate Diwali and Eid each fall.
Details
Baisakhi Mela
Saturday April 2, 2011
Booth Amphitheatre
Regency Parkway
Cary, NC
Gates open at 12 noon. Lawn seats/general admission is free before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m, lawn seats/general admission is $3 for adults, children 2 and under and Punjabi Unlimited members are free. $5 per car charge for parking. VIP reserved seating available for $10 while supplies last.