Cancellation of 26th Festival of India due to COVID-19

INDIA ASSOCIATION of CHARLOTTE  - Press Release 4-12-2020

In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus, federal, state and local government directives, restricting social interaction outside the home have created an unprecedented challenge to our way of life.

We have been following the advice and guidelines from the authorities in real time; and monitoring the situation with some of our key partners. After assessing the projected outlook in the coming months, our board has recommended a change in direction of our current festival plans.

We deeply regret to announce our very difficult decision to cancel the 26th Festival of India, scheduled for July 18-19, 2020 in Belk Theater and on Tryon St. This is an extreme step of cancellation of an annual event, that has been our labor of love for the last 25+ years.

“The safety of our visitors, our performers, our volunteers and all other stakeholders, is of paramount concern to us and that is why we are taking this extreme action,” said IAC President Lal Vishin.

“We understand the pain and disruption that our community is going thru as a result of this pandemic, and hope our action will be a small step in helping control the spread of the virus. We will continue to follow all guidance from the authorities as we move forward and will keep you updated via our website (www.indiafestival.net)."

India Association of Charlotte (IAC) is working with all the festival stakeholders and exploring new dates for our next Festival of India in the Fall of 2021. We thank everyone for their understanding, patience and support, as we navigate together through these uncharted and treacherous waters in the days and months to come.

Virtual Festival of India - 2020

Presentation that highlights key facets of this annual Festival of India, that we had to cancel this year for the first time in the last 25 years, because of pandemic related challenges.

It touches on some key community service initiatives by our festival team, like -  a) The Bus Stand Project b) Anuvia Collage Project c) Covid Mask Initiative d) Big Fat Indian Wedding.

And also highlights the activities within the festival itself, by offering vignettes of various types of content like - a) Cultural Exhibits b) Indian Dance Performances b) Visual Arts c) Food/Souvenirs d) Turban/Saree & Henna Tattoos and more.

The exhibit is in nine segments and here is a link to each of those. Enjoy! 

Virtual Festival Of India 2020 Videos

 

Dance Participant Registration - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to register for a Dance item as a performer?

  • You will need to have an account with the Festival of India website, before you can register to participate as a dance performer. 
  • Read and agree to all the guidelines listed below.
  • Provide all dance information on the online Registration Form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
  • Details about your dance registration will be emailed to you. (You should get your dance ID from your choreographer before you register as a dance participant)

How can I create an account on the Festival of India website?

For the first time, when you register, you will be asked to create a new account. You will be required to validate the email address you provide during the creation of the account. This validation will happen by our system sending a validation message to your email address and you will then need to acknowledge the validation link, before your account creation process is complete. 

What if I forget my password after creating an account?

You can create a new password by going under “Login” page and clicking on “Forgot my password” link- the link will then guide you to reset your password.

How can I look at what information is needed for the online Registration form?

Please click here to view the Dance Registration form, that will need to be completed during the registration process.

What happens after I complete the Registration form and submit it?

It gets sent to the festival performance committee, for review, completeness and approval. A confirmatory email will be sent to you shortly after you have completed dance participant registration - make sure you check your dance ID in that email to confirm your participation for the correct dance item. 

What if I want to edit details about the dance participant registration that has been registered? 

You can edit your dance participant registration by logging into your account and clicking "My Registrations" tab and following the drop down menu "Dance Participant Registrations" to delete and add a new registration.

How many dances can I participate?

According to our guidelines, any participant can perform in only one item.

What if I have questions that are not addressed above?

Please contact the performance committee at foiperformance@gmail.com

To participate in the Festival of India (FOI), you are required to follow the following guidelines.

YOUR REGISTRATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 PM May 25th, 2020.

FOI WILL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE ABLE TO ADD YOUR REGISTRATION FOR YOU AFTER THIS DATE. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY WITH THIS DEADLINE YOUR ENTIRE TEAM MAY BE DISQUALIFIED FOR FAILING TO MEET THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED FOR YOUR ITEM. PLEASE BE A TEAM PLAYER AND REGISTER ON TIME.

  • Festival Dates are Saturday (07/18/2020) and Sunday (07/19/2020)
  • Participants and Choreographers need to be available on both days of the Festival.
  • Minimum age of participants (on or before June 30, 2020):
    • Belk Theater Stage: 10 years or older
    • Outside on the street Stage: 7 years or older
    • NO EXCEPTIONS will be permitted and the Committee can request a Birth Certificate to resolve any issues. If found in violation of this rule, participation in future FOI will be restricted.
  • Number of dancers per group:
    • Belk Theater Stage: 8 or more (with the exception of minimum 6 performers for pure Classical only).
    • Outside on the street Stage: 6 or more
    • Fashion show (Minimum 10; Maximum 25 participants)
    • NO EXCEPTIONS will be allowed. 
  • Maximum number of entries per participant:
    • 1 performance only (No exceptions! This includes fashion show). If found in violation of this rule, participation in future FOI will be restricted
  • Costumes:
    • All costumes must be appropriate to the type of dance being performed, and demonstrative of the rich cultural heritage of India. In general, costumes should be modest and conservative. Skirts must be at least knee length with tights for modesty.
    • Costumes are subject to final approval by the committee
  • Audition:
    • YouTube auditions are mandatory and has to be submitted by 11.59 PM on May 25th, 2020
    • Upon request and per Committee decision, Live auditions may be required.
  • Registration:
    • Deadline: All registration closes by 11:59 PM on May 25th, 2020
  • All performances must be uniquely Indian and must materially relate to and enhance depiction and propagation of Indian culture.
  • FOI has full discretion on approving the kind of performances on stage.
  • All day parking options are available near the festival site, at a number of parking decks, at discounted venue parking fees.

YES. I have read all 2020 participant guidelines and wish to proceed with Registration