Celebrating India Independence Day on August 15th!
The State of Minnesota officially recognizes August 15th as India Day. Join over 25,000 community members at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds for Minnesota largest cultural festival. Free & open to all!
IndiaFest is IAM signature annual event, giving attendees the opportunity to “Experience India in a Day”.
This year holds special significance for the Asian Indian community as the festival takes place directly on Saturday, August 15th. The upper and lower mall of the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds in downtown St. Paul will transform into a vibrant mini-India.
Explore Over 100 Festival Booths
Discover community organizations, cultural exhibits, artisan bazaars, and authentic cuisine
🏛️ Organization Booths
Showcasing non-profit organizations associated with India working across Minnesota.
🎨 Exhibit Booths
Featuring cultural displays, community exhibits, and educational initiatives.
🛍️ Bazaar Booths
Offering authentic clothing, jewelry, accessories, and traditional handicrafts.
🍲 Food Booths
Serving a variety of delicious regional Indian food and traditional treats.
Throughout the day, the main stage features continuous cultural performances from community groups and professional dance schools, building up to evening music and open dance celebrations.
Essential Links & Event Guides
Quick access to festival maps, volunteer registration, and event info
Official IndiaFest 2026 Agenda & Stage Schedule
Experience India in a Day • Main Culture Stage & Capitol Grounds
🌅 Morning Kick-off & Cultural Performances
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
11:00 AM IndiaFest Kick-off
Official opening of IndiaFest 2026 by IAM Board & Hosts
11:15 AM Minnesota Community Cultural Performances
Minnesota Community Cultural Performances (11am – 1pm)
🇮🇳 Parade, Flag Hoisting, and Awards
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
12:45 PM Parade Line-up Begins
Assembly and lineup for the grand IndiaFest parade
1:00 PM Parade
Grand parade featuring regional organizations, traditional attire, music, and floats
1:45 PM Dignitaries & IAM Assembly
IAM team and the dignitaries assemble inside the flag hoisting barricade
2:00 PM Flag Hoisting & National Anthem
Vocal + Instruments
2:10 PM Address by Elected Officials
Speeches by distinguished state and local elected officials
2:30 PM Awards Ceremony
Student Scholarship and India Olympiad winners
💃 A Dance Showcase – Professional Performances
2:50 PM – 5:00 PM
2:50 PM Inauguration of Professional Segment
Official opening of the professional dance showcase segment
3:00 PM Aruna Mohanty & Nritya Kalakshetra Dance Academy
Feature Odissi dance performance
3:30 PM Natyakala Dance School – Sona Nair
Classical Indian dance showcase
4:00 PM Katha DanceTheater – Rita Mustaphi
Kathak dance storytelling performance
4:30 PM IAM Board Introduction
Introduction of the IAM Board of Directors & event leaders
🎉 Bollywood Nite – Remix Masala
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
5:00 PM SAATH
Bollywood Nite musical kick-off
5:20 PM Bhangra – Virsaat
High-energy Punjabi Bhangra performance
5:30 PM Junoon (UoM)
University of Minnesota South Asian fusion set
6:00 PM Ananth Vikram and Nitin Mathur band
Headliner Bollywood Nite Remix Masala concert
8:30 PM Vote of thanks and closing
Official vote of thanks and event conclusion
IAM is deeply grateful to the Minnesota State Capitol and the City of St. Paul for nearly two decades of support, welcoming a crowd of around 25,000 visitors each year.
Logistics & Event Management Partner
We look forward to celebrating IndiaFest with you on August 15th!
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