India Fest attracts a diverse crowd to SFC

Reading this article makes me realize how famous curry is! Credits to Tatiana Gonzalez for writing this wonderful article at www.gainesville.com.

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The smell of curry, coriander and cumin filled the air on Saturday at Santa Fe College for the 12th Annual India Fest and Health Fair.

The fest, hosted by the India Cultural and Education Center, or ICEC, in Gainesville, attracted a diverse crowd as usual. Every year thousands come to India Fest, where people enjoy traditional music and dance performances as well as traditional Indian food.

Vendors sold all sorts of food and other items, like beaded coin purses, different colored bangles and saris, which are long cloths worn over the body in various styles as clothing.

Along with shopping, visitors also got to take advantage of many free or reduced-price medical tests being offered.

Jennifer Harrell, a teacher in Gainesville, sat nearby as her friend received a free foot-type analysis by Gainesville Physical Therapy & Wellness.

Harrell had just enjoyed a samosa, a traditional Indian snack consisting of a triangular pastry with a savory filling inside, and was ready for more.

Harrell, a 13-year resident of Gainesville, said she loves Indian cuisine and had noticed an increase in the variety of restaurants in Gainesville from Asian countries.

Harrell said she enjoys the change.

“Better food,” she said.

The Asian population in Alachua County has grown by 71 percent or from 7,709 to 13,235 in the last 10 years, according to newly released data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Iqbal Qaiyumi, one of the directors of Saturday’s fest, has noticed.

“It’s grown like crazy,” said Qaiyumi, who moved to Gainesville in 1983 with his wife and children. “When I was here. there were 10 families.”

Now, he said, there must be at least 1,000 families of Indian descent who live in Alachua County.

A large number of doctors, professors and other professionals are attracted by not only the university but by the nice climate and friendly environment, he said.

Naidu Challa, a Ph.D. student at UF, agrees.

Challa, who has been in Gainesville for the past three years, said he has found a home with the community at the ICEC.

He’d like to continue living in Gainesville after he graduates, he said.

“This place is awesome,” he said.

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