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Festival of Joy

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Sun, Sep 07 , 2025 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm

200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701

Join us Sunday, September 7 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a free vegetarian feast, along with riveting music, dance and interactive holistic living and cultural activities.

The Festival of Joy kicks off with the Parade of Joy, a re-enactment of the famous Ratha Yatra parade. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a range of immersive cultural experiences. Intricate henna tattoos will be offered, as well as unique yoga practices in the downtown area. Guests are invited to try on traditional Indian clothing, including sarees and turbans, to experience the elegance and diversity of Indian fashion firsthand.

Entertainment will be plentiful throughout the day, with live music, a dhol (drum) presentation, a garba folk dance, and various classical dance performances. The festival also features vegetarian cuisine sampling, allowing attendees to savor a variety of authentic Indian dishes. Additional interactive cultural activities will be available for all ages, encouraging hands-on engagement with crafts, games, and storytelling from Indian traditions.

To enjoy this event, an open mind and your voice is all required.

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