ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando’s India Day was celebrated to raise awareness about the heritage that the Indian-American have in Central Florida and all around the country.

Celebrated every February 25 since the year 2013, this year’s celebration was bigger and better. The event in downtown Orlando was led by Orlando Mayo Buddy Dyer, Indian Day Chair, Dr. Amish M. Parikh, Co- chair, Dr. Varesh Patel, and the staff and volunteers from the Indian American Chamber of Commerce.

The Indian American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that is recognized as the leader of the community involved. Every year, the organization manages one billion dollars’ worth of economic opportunities between Indians and Americans. Its mission is to use philanthropic, social, and economic efforts in cultivating the said community.

Orlando’s India Day kickstarted in Amway Center. A Fan Fest of the Orlando Magic was presented by Chase. The sensational Bollywood actress, Shilpa Shetty, was even present in the event.

Downtown was filled with exhibits representing the food, culture, and music that both races shared then and now. The artworks and people dressed in costumes were the ones that attracted photo takers to take as many as possible.

The whole stretch of the street showcased different traditional Indian dances, games, fashion, cuisine, products, and other unique activities. Indian food was sold and enjoyed by American, Indians, and other foreign tourists in the proximity.

During the same day, the Orlando Basketball team, Orlando Magic, had a game against the Atlanta Hawks. The team’s dancers performed wearing Bollywood-inspired costumes and they danced to classical Indian music. Orlando Magic won that game with a score of 105 – 86. This win resulted to an additional celebration, making a bigger India Day party in the area.

For another year, the National Basketball Associate awarded Best Heritage Night in the NBA to Indian Cultural Night.