Join the celebration for India Day

NOVI — The India League of America, in collaboration with Michigan Asian Indian Community Organizations, is presenting AQL India Day 2022 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The free celebration features authentic Indian food, entertainment and vendors on the 75th Year of India’s Independence Day.

All are welcome to the event, which features a celebration of dance, music, food, traditions, jewelry and apparel, a Freedom Parade, exhibits, Bollywood celebrities and more.

Organizers said the event usually draws 20,000-25,000 people, and they expect even more than that this year. “This year is very special as it marks the 75th Year of India’s Independence Day. We not only celebrate our freedom, but we also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same. Each year, more than 30,000 attendees come together to enjoy the tastes, sounds and sights of India,” Ramesh Gudapuri, AQL India Day chairman, said in a press release. “This growing, one-of-a-kind event gives us the opportunity to salute India’s Independence Day, which is held on August 15, while sharing our culture and traditions with not only family and friends, but also the public in metro Detroit.”

The lineup will include 75 live performances with more than 700 entertainers from local groups, as well as regional dance academies.

The ceremony will conclude with the lighting of the lamp, a Hindu custom to give thanks to the Lord and acknowledge a new event.

Numerous local restaurants, including Punjab Cuisine and India Express will be on-site to provide a selection of authentic Indian food. More than 75 exhibitors will sell authentic Indian apparel, costumes, arts and crafts, home furnishings and jewelry.

The ILA, a nonprofit secular organization formed in 1978, has a mission to champion the interests of the Indian American community in Michigan, celebrate and expose the Indian traditions and culture to foster a better understanding of the U.S. and India, and to integrate the Asian Indian American community with the general community.

AQL, located in Plymouth, is the main sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include Stellantis, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, the FCA Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Beaumont Health System, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, NYX and the Punjab Sports & Cultural Association. For more information, visit www.ilamichigan.org or email indiaday@ilamichigan.org.