Essence of India 2018 finale on Saturday, 8/18 celebrated the theme of “Vasudhaive Kutumbkam” -- the whole world is one community. It was therefore meaningful to combine Indian classical performances with those from international cultures. Performers representing classical and folk traditions from countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Ireland, Russia, Puerto Rico, China etc. participated to bring a vast plethora of culture and performances on the NARA Park outdoor stage in Acton, MA.

Jayshree Rajamani and Jeyanthi Ghatraju, two eminent dance gurus graced the stage as Emcees, introducing the artists and explaining the art forms to an appreciative audience. Since the mcs themselves are accomplished artists they explained the true essence of art forms. To make the event successful, more than 30 high school kids as well as selfless adults such as Sunil Barot from NH volunteered with the stage setup, ground arrangements and event management. Jawed Wahid has been an amazing sound engineer year after year and played a huge role in the success of this event.

Stage managers Jaya Pandey, Sandhya Dasu and Bhavana Gallewale managed the stage and green room and the artists efficiently. The event started with a downpour but soon the stage was cleared, dried and prepared to perform. Fortunately, the large central tent sheltered a rapt audience. Artists from all over New England showed up without fail and spread their magic one after another. The performances started with an invocation by the students of Lasya school of dance by Sapna Krishnan, and were followed by a Chinese dance, Bharatnatyam presented by Spanda school of dance, Russian Samovar dance using beautiful scarves and costumes, Kathak presented by Moumita Bannerjee, Thai traditional dance, Odissi by Mouli and Medha Pal, Santoor & Tabla ensemble by Nitin Pandit and Rajesh Pai, Polynesian dance with beautiful floral garlands around their necks, another Kathak dance by Aditi Vyas Khare. The Cambodian dancers presented the story of Ramayan and stole the heart by jumping out of the stage and performing around the audience. Another highlight of the event was the Kuchipudi artist who flew all the way from Dallas, TX, to perform at the Essence of India. Her amazing performance and dancing on the edge of a brass plate left the audience breathless.

Audience enjoyed Ghoomer by Spanda School of dance, Meera by Bharatkalai dance school, African dance by Vivian, Puerto Rican dance, Mohiniattam by Manasa Kalkunte and students, Thai dance and music and finally the interactive American square dance.

The interactive art and craft booths were run by Chinmaya Mission and the Gurukool Enrichment center. Kerala booth was raising fun for the terrible flood. Indian Circle for Caring, AID Boston, Hindi Manch, kite, henna and costume booths were continuously busy.

The event was partially sponsored by Town of Acton, Masala Bay, WCU, DCU, Middlesex Bank, Mass festival, cultural councils of Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Littleton and Sudbury. We are thankful to our media partners BDC, Lokvani, The Beacon, INEN, Acton TV and TV Asia for supporting and promoting the event. We are forever grateful to all the volunteers, supporters and performers who have been part of Essence of India year after year.

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