UTSAV Midland Indian Fest – A Cultural Extravaganza

UTSAV’24 Midland Indian Fest - A Cultural Extravaganza

On July 27th, 2024, the Portlaoise GAA ground hosted the inaugural UTSAV’24 Midland Indian Fest, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture organized by Indian community in Laois. The event began with a flag hoisting and traditional lamp lighting ceremony, setting the stage for a day filled with cultural performances and competitions.

Cultural Performances

The festival featured 60 stage programs, including Thiruvathira and Chenda Melam competitions, showcasing traditional dance and drumming.

Music

Performances by Cloud 9, Brinda Irani, K-North Band, and DJ Darshan energized the crowd, turning the grounds into a massive dance floor.

Cultural Exchange

Contributions from the Gorman School of Dancing, St Joseph Accordion Band, and Ole Gerald from the African community enriched the event.

Dignitaries

The presence of notable figures like Mr. Murugaraj Dhamodara from the Indian Embassy and local dignitaries added significance to the fest.

Sports Activities

The Tug of War competition was a major highlight, drawing enthusiastic participants and spectators. Other popular sports included Penalty Shootout, Bowling, and Arm Wrestling.

Children’s Activities

Younger attendees enjoyed the Rubik’s Cube challenge, Pencil Drawing, and Painting competitions, along with a bouncy castle, bungee jump, and rides.

Food and Stalls

Varieties of multi cusine food stalls offered a delectable taste of India and Ireland, while stalls featuring clothing, perfumes, toys, and handicrafts provided a rich shopping experience.

Logistics

Efficient parking management and diligent cleaning staff ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Acknowledgements and Gratitude – UTSAV’24 Midland Indian Fest

Our deepest gratitude extends to our sponsors, whose generous contributions were essential in making UTSAV ’24 a reality. Their support enabled us to offer a rich and diverse array of experiences for all attendees.

GAA Management: Their assistance in providing and preparing the venue was critical to the festival’s success, transforming the Portlaoise GAA grounds into a vibrant cultural space.

Garda Síochána: Their role in ensuring safety and security was vital, helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.

Civil Defence: The Civil Defence team’s readiness to provide first aid and emergency services ensured that the event was handled efficiently, adding an extra layer of safety for all participants.

The Public: A heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone who attended, participated, and enjoyed UTSAV ’24. Your enthusiasm, support, kindness, and constructive feedback made the festival a vibrant celebration of culture and community.

Exceptional Organization and Teamwork

UTSAV 2024 stood out for its exceptional organization and seamless execution, thanks to the dedicated efforts of many contributors. The festival’s success was due in large part to the meticulous planning by the 19 committee members, who worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect.

Around 50 volunteers, performers, and first aid personnel came together to support the event, each playing a crucial role in its flawless operation.

The festival was a resounding success, celebrating community, cultural pride, and the rich traditions of the Indian community in Ireland.