By james art India-West Staff Reporter
IRVINE, CA – The 23rd annual Irvine Global Village Festival, held here on October 5 at Great Park, served as a lively platform for cultural exchange and community building. This year’s festival featured arts, cultural exhibits, food vendors and a special children’s village.
Among the many participants, OC India Association and OC Indian Women Group played a key role in showcasing Indian culture. Founded by Dr. Seema Choudhary, OC India Association aims to unite the Indian community in Orange County while sharing the richness of Indian traditions with a wider audience.
At this year’s festival, the association has prepared a range of performances offering a glimpse into India’s vibrant cultural heritage. One of the highlights was the Indian Children’s Fashion Show, where young children confidently walked the runway in traditional attire, proudly showcasing the colorful and intricate clothing styles from India’s diverse regions.
The Indian Women’s Fashion Show was another highlight. The show featured a display of sarees, lehengas and fusion outfits seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles. The grace and elegance of the women captivated the audience as they embodied the essence of Indian fashion.
In addition, a classical Odissi dance performance was presented by students of the Shankra Dance Academy. The dancers, through their graceful movements and expressive narration, beautifully captured the spirit of one of India’s oldest and most sophisticated dance forms.
The energy soared with a lively Bhangra performance by Gagandeep Singh and his Bhangra by Nature team. Their powerful movements and lively rhythms had the audience clapping and dancing, making it one of the most exciting segments of the festival.
The day also included an upbeat zumba session filled with traditional Punjabi dhol rhythms led by Monica and Neil Pal. This fusion of fitness and cultural rhythms added a fresh and energetic vibe to the event, engaging the audience in a fun, interactive way.