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

 

Emcee Registration - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to register as an Emcee?

  • You will need to have an account with the Festival of India website, before you can register to participate as an Emcee. 
  • Read and agree to all the guidelines listed below.
  • Provide all requested information on the online Registration Form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
  • Details about your completed emcee registration will be eMailed to you.

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.

What kind of information is needed for the online Registration form?

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

What happens after I complete the Registration process?

It gets sent to the festival performance committee, for review, completeness and approval.  You will get a confirmation email shortly after your emcee registration is submitted.

What if I want to edit details about my registration?

You will be able to edit your registration after submission. Please note that you will be able to make changes until the registration deadline.

Can I register to be an Emcee even if I am performing in one of the dances?

Yes, you can be an Emcee even if you are also a participant in one of the dances.

Do I need an audition for being an Emcee for the festival? 

Yes. A YouTube link needs to be sent with the emcee delivering the script provided by the committee on the Emcee Registration form. Committee will reach out to you if “in person” audition is needed.

How do I know that I have been selected as an emcee?

You will get a confirmation email closer to the festival dates and after the audition deadline date along with comments/recommendations as applicable.

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 make sure that you follow these guidelines.

  • Festival Dates are Saturday (07/18/2020) and Sunday (07/19/2020)
  • Emcees need to be available on both days of the Festival.
  • Emcee Minimum age of participants (on or before June 30, 2020):
    • Belk Theater Stage: 18 yrs or older
    • Outside on the street Stage: 15 yrs 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.
  • Audition:
    • All Emcees who have registered on the website will be expected to submit your YouTube audition tape, reading the script provided here. If in person audition is needed, performance committee will reach out to you
    • A script has been provided for solo and/or partner audition above and on the Emcee registration form.
    • Final selection will be based on live auditions as needed and an assessment & decision by the FOI Performance Committee. FOI has full discretion on approval of finalists.
    • Emcee YouTube Audition deadline 11:59 PM, May 25th, 2020
  • Registration:
    • All registrations start on 6:00 PM Feb 15th, 2020
    • All registrations end on 11:59 PM on April 15th, 2020
  • 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 emcee registration guidelines and wish to proceed with Registration