The Indian American Community of Newton (IACON) hosted its 5th Annual India Day Celebration on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Newton City Hall grounds, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 350–400 people. The sunny summer afternoon was filled with vibrant performances, delicious food, colorful vendor stalls, and the warmth of community spirit.

This year’s event marked a special milestone — five years of celebrating India’s rich culture and heritage while embracing the diversity of our Newton community. Attendees enjoyed an exciting lineup of local talent, from classical Indian dance to Bollywood numbers, live bands, and instrumental performances.

Special Guests & Community Voices
The event was honored by the presence of Mayor of Newton Ruthanne Fuller, who warmly addressed the audience. Tamika Olszewski, representing sponsor Harmony Foundation, spoke about the Foundation’s vision, mission, and its commitment to supporting diverse cultural celebrations like India Day.

Representatives from local nonprofits also took the stage to share their impactful work. A speaker from More Than Words highlighted their mission of empowering youth to take charge of their lives through meaningful work and skill-building. Newton Neighbors expressed their gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the importance of sustaining and growing that support to further their mission.

Stage Highlights
The cultural program was a true showcase of Newton’s local talent, featuring:

• Instrumentals: Guitar & Vocal by Shiamak Acharji, Flute by Aryav Jingar
  
  
• Vocals: Vyom Sharma, Aadrika Ghosh, and Diya Misra
  
  
• Dance: “Dancing Burritos” group, energetic solo by Rishi Prabhu, Kathak performance by Heena Bhatt & Sumana Hatwar, and group BollyX dance led by Rajni Shelke
  
  
• Bands: Newton North High School students Johsh Bhatt, Dylan Peters, Rishi Hebbar, and Shivangi Nadkar performed Dhunki and Bulleya; college musicians brought their own energy to the stage.
  
  

Vendor Village – Shop, Sip & Support Local
This year saw a record number of vendors, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to books and specialty drinks:

• Food & Drinks: Chennai Eats, Westford Bakery, The Real Chai, and Ice Cream Truck
  
  
• Shopping & Services: Nila Clothing, Meena Art & Craft, Cottedge, Baystate Wealth Advisors, Alyssa’s Essentials, Hindu Priest Services Booth
  
  
• Nonprofits: More Than Words, Newton Neighbors
  
  
• Activities: Newton Face Painting, RSM Math, Henna Booth
  
  

Special Moments

The youth-run Henna booth raised $130.48 for the Newton Food Pantry — a beautiful example of giving back. Veda Bhatt and Dhruv Bhatt brought fresh energy to the stage as they skillfully emceed portions of the program, highlighting the next generation’s active role in community celebrations.

A parent in the audience shared that the celebration “mirrored the pride and love we feel for both our roots and our present home, and how we are nurturing our culture and heritage across generations.” 

Gratitude & Support
This wonderful community gathering would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Harmony Foundation and The Village Bank. IACON thanks all the vendors, performers, volunteers, and attendees who made the day memorable.

As a special thank you to the community, exclusive Diwali Celebration presale tickets — at a price even lower than early bird discounts — were offered to India Day attendees.

The 5th Annual India Day in Newton was more than just a cultural festival — it was a joyful affirmation of shared identity, community bonds, and the enduring connection between India and our home in Newton.

About IACON
IAC Newton’s vision is to nurture an inclusive Indian American community where diverse traditions and values flourish. We celebrate our culture, strengthen community connections, and promote philanthropy, preserving our rich heritage for generations to come.

https://iacnewton.org/ 

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