*** This event date has already passed. ***

The third annual “Puranava” Indian Culture Fest will be held at the Pearland Town Center Pavilion on Saturday, March 28.

“Pura” means ancient and “Nava” means new or modern. True to its name this festival, which is presented by Global Organization for Divinity, aims to provide attendees an experience of India’s vibrant, age-old culture which is still an integral part of modern India.

This project is supported by a City of Pearland Cultural Arts Grant program from the City of Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

From 3 pm onwards, there will be cultural arts performances with Indian classical and folk dances and music from different Indian regions. There will also be a youth band performance, puppet shows, kids activities including arts, crafts, henna and face painting, a Wrap-a-Sari booth, a cricket sport booth, lots of photo ops, Indian food, a bazaar featuring saris, exotic clothes, and jewelry, vendor booths featuring local businesses, and much more. This culture fest is a free and open event.

Earlier in the day, from 11 am onwards there will be several fun, themed contests for all ages including Chess, Art (canvas painting, pot painting, t-shirt painting, and more), Indian classical dance, Indian classical music, and an India-based quiz competition. These competitions are open to participants of all cultural backgrounds. Competition guidelines and registration will soon open at www.puranava-usa.org.

The culture fest will culminate with a “Universal Harmony Parade” around the pavilion. The essential Indian culture emphasizes on universal harmony and acceptance of all. “May the entire world be happy!” This is a central prayer and theme that runs through the entire Indian ethos; a way through which universal love and acceptance of all cultures, creeds, and beings is ingrained as part of life.

Everyone is invited to join the parade - which will be accompanied by kirtan music and instruments - in a gesture of togetherness and harmony amid beautiful cultural diversity. There will be people dressed in costumes from different regions of India. People and children from other global cultures are also welcome to come dressed in their own cultural costumes. There will also be special balloons for everyone to walk with, during the parade.

For more information about Puranava, or to reserve a vendor booth space, call 281-402-6585.

For more information about Global Organization for Divinity, visit houston.godivinity.org or our Facebook page GOD Namadwaar Houston.