Are you attending the 2018 Indian Arts Gala?

The 2018 UTSAV Indian Arts Gala is coming soon!

On May 5, 2018, The Ware Center hosts an exciting cultural event full of delicious food, drinks, educational programs, dancing, music, and more. We checked in with Deepa Balepur, President of IOLC (Indian Organization of Lancaster County), to hear about all the details of this wonderful experience. IOLC is presenting and organizing the event along with tremendous support from generous sponsors, wonderful community members and passionate volunteers. See the discussion and then browse a gorgeous photo gallery of past celebrations below!

Tickets are on sale now–don’t miss your chance to attend and participate in this annual tradition. For all information, check out the event website.

Interview with Deepa

FIG: It’s here! The 2018 event is coming quickly. This year, what are you most excited for during the Indian Arts Gala? 

Deepa: There are many things to be excited about for Utsav 2018. I’m most excited about the cultural program, a production that tells a wonderful story of dreams and passion and the important role family plays in achieving them. Maya, a typical girl has an extraordinary talent – except that her dreams are not quite aligned with what her family has in mind for her. The story will be told with drama, comedy, and love and will have something that every spectator will be able to relate to!

The food lineup sounds amazing—what can guests expect to sample, eat, and share during this portion of the event?

The evening kicks off with the opportunity for guests to mingle while munching on some delicious Indian appetizers. A sumptuous dinner of authentic Indian cuisine will follow the cultural program. Dinner items will include familiar items like Naan (oven baked flatbread), basmati rice, and others, but also many new surprises. The cuisine will feature a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals cooked in healthy exotic spices, herbs, and roots.

All of that food sounds incredible. We also noted the musical section too. What are some of the great moments during the dance and music part of the event that you’d like to share?

I don’t want to give away too much, but along with the rich Indian dances and music, guests will be able to experience art forms from different cultures and the integration and blending of these varied artistic styles to create something unified—and simply marvelous!

You’ve convinced us! We can’t wait to attend. What would you like to say to our readers that would encourage them to attend and participate?

I’d like to take this opportunity to quote some reviews that we have received in the past. It has been our pleasure to organize and host this event over the years!

“I loved the program, particularly the inter-generational aspects of it. I always find Indian dance so inspirational, too! You did a fabulous job in putting it all together. And the dinner was fabulous! Thank you, too, for all you do for our community. You are an inspiration.”

“The music and dancing were beautiful, and the entertainment delightful and meaningful. The food was delicious, too! Most of all I was affected by the fellowship and the community.”

“Great idea to open the opportunities to foreign-born citizens to merge with local community by doing useful human services. I had to admire the vision of your board to translate energy for productive purposes. Good luck to your dynamic & innovative idea.”

“It was a pleasure to be a part of your international event. We loved seeing the performances and enjoyed seeing women dressed in beautiful attire. We were all especially moved by the last number, which included a testimony to the freedoms we have in this country. Your impeccable organization and inspiring message were noticed!!”

“Your mission, and vision beliefs are noble and important.”

Photos from past Indian Art Gala events

Hope to see you then! Get tickets plus find out more online.