India League of America - Michigan Presents AQL India Day, Aug. 20

AQL India Day, the largest celebration of Asian Indian culture and traditions in the Midwest, will return to metro Detroit from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at the Suburban Collection Showplace located at 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi. The annual event is FREE of charge and is presented by the India League of America Michigan, in collaboration with Michigan Asian Indian community organizations, and will feature live entertainment, authentic food and diverse exhibitors.

“Each year, more than 25,000 attendees come together to enjoy the tastes, sounds and sights of India,” said Ramesh Gudapuri, AQL India Day chairman. “This growing, one-of-a-kind event gives us the opportunity to salute India’s Independence Day, which is held on August 15, while sharing our culture and traditions with not only family and friends, but also the public in metro Detroit.”

AQL India Day delivers a festival-like atmosphere that is fun for all ages featuring a variety of special performances throughout the day. From patriotic songs and folk music to classical and Bollywood-inspired dancers, the line-up will include 60 live performances with more than 350 entertainers from local groups as well as regional dance academies. During the event, the winner of Miss ILA Michigan 2016 will be announced.

The opening ceremony for AQL India Day will begin with a parade at 10:30 a.m. with participants performing music and dancing while dressed in traditional costumes representing each Indian state. The route will end at the main stage where all dignitaries and special invited guests will be welcomed with a marigold garland and red tilak, a customary religious mark worn on the forehead. The ceremony will conclude with the lighting of the lamp, a Hindu custom to give thanks to the Lord and acknowledge a new event.

Numerous local restaurants, including India Flavors, Delhi Hut, Chutneys and Bawarchi, will be on-site to provide a selection of authentic Indian food. More than 100 exhibitors, such as Ram Creations, Satrangi Jewelry and Shiva Collections, will sell authentic Indian apparel, costumes, arts and crafts, home furnishings and jewelry. Ford Motors, General Motors and FCA Group also will have the latest automobiles models on display.

Event sponsors include the title sponsor Plymouth, Mich.-based AQL, or Automotive Quality & Logistics that serves automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the North American region. Additional sponsors include: Ford Motor Company, General Motors, FCA Group, McDonald’s, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Beaumont Health System, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy.

For more information about AQL India Day, visit www.ilamichigan.org or email indiaday@ilamichigan.org.