Heritage of India Festival Will Again Bring The Magic Of The 'Land Of Spices' To Kensico Dam Plaza

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The earth might not revolve around our Hudson Valley communities, but we can see the world from here.

Hudson Valley globetrotters only need to head to Kensico Dam Plaza on Sunday, Aug. 2, for the 26th Annual Heritage of India Festival, a six-hour celebration of Indian culture featuring food, entertainment, shopping, and family activities.

The festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. People of all backgrounds are invited to attend, organizers said. The event is presented by the Indian American Cultural Association of Westchester in cooperation with the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.

Festivalgoers will find vendors offering Indian cuisine, traditional sweets, clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, and hand-made arts and crafts. Complimentary children's activities will be available, with programming aimed at creating a multi-generational experience for families.

"The Heritage of India Festival celebrates the rich traditions, artistry and contributions of Westchester's Indian-American community," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "Events like this give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, music, dance and cuisine that help make our County so unique. They bring people together, deepen our understanding of one another and showcase the cultural diversity that strengthens Westchester."

The festival will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal, and attendees are asked to bring blankets or folding chairs for sitting on the lawn.

"Kensico Dam Plaza offers the perfect backdrop for cultural celebrations like the Heritage of India Festival," Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said. "Its sweeping lawns, scenic setting and central location make it easy to welcome large crowds while providing ample space to honor India's rich heritage through music, dance, cuisine and more."

Coolers are not allowed. Admission and parking are free.

Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. The county also listed the remaining 2026 Heritage Festivals, each scheduled from noon to 6 p.m.: the Jewish Heritage festival on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Kensico Dam Plaza; the Muslim Heritage festival on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Kensico Dam Plaza; and the Arab-American festival on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale.

For more information about the Heritage of India Festival, call Westchester County Parks at 914-231-4500.