The 7th Annual Festival of India, a two-day celebration of Indian heritage, diversity, and community spirit, will be held on September 20-21, 2025, at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Maryland. 

Hosted by the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), the festival is expected to draw thousands from across the DMV region to experience the vibrancy of Indian culture through food, dance, music, fashion, and community service.

This year’s festival will feature:

• Live Performances: Classical, folk, and Bollywood dance troupes, music ensembles, and youth showcases.
• Authentic Cuisine: A curated lineup of regional Indian food vendors offering diverse culinary experiences.
• Marketplace: Artisan crafts, clothing, jewelry, and cultural exhibits.
• Interactive Zones: Henna, rangoli art, kids’ activities, and storytelling corners.
• Community Impact Pavilion: Hunger relief initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and ICA’s culturally respectful service model.
• Health Fair: Free health screenings, resources, and flu shots.

In an August 25 statement, ICA announced that it was recently recognized as the Best Volunteer Organization and that the Festival of India was once again voted Best Festival in Howard County in the 2025 Best of Howard poll, marking the third consecutive win.

“These dual honors reflect ICA’s unwavering commitment to cultural celebration and compassionate service,” the statement noted, adding that from the vibrant Festival of India to year-round hunger relief programs rooted in dignity and cultural respect, ICA continues to unite communities through heritage and humanity.

Executive Director of ICA, Niti Srivastava, said, “This recognition is a tribute to every volunteer, artist, partner, and supporter who believes in our mission. We’re proud to be a space where Indian American identity is celebrated, and where service is powered by empathy and compassion. The Festival of India is more than a celebration—it’s a bridge. A place where generations gather, stories are shared, and identities are honored.”

Echoing that sentiment, President of ICA, Sanjay Srivastava, added, “We’re honored to be recognized not just for celebration, but for service. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of ICA. This recognition is a tribute to every person who brings our programming to life. We’re proud to showcase the vibrancy of Indian culture while creating space for service, dialogue, and healing.”

ICA emphasized that its programming blends “tradition with innovation” offering inclusive events that celebrate Indian heritage while addressing urgent community needs. To date, ICA’s volunteer-powered food distribution efforts have delivered more than 3.5 million pounds of food, serving thousands across Howard County.

A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ICA is dedicated to celebrating Indian American culture while addressing food insecurity through community-rooted service. Alongside the Festival of India, ICA also hosts signature celebrations such as Diwali and Holi and operates year-round volunteer and food distribution programs, according to the statement.  

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