WELCOME T O BOLLY VILLE

WHEN artists travel 9300km from Rajasthan to Townsville, it has to be an important occasion.

Chakri Macha, president of India Fest, is confident of the festival’s future after securing musical troupe Kutle Khan Project to travel from the subcontinent to the capital of North Queensland.

He said Saturday’s festival was “extremely” successful, with more than 15,000 Townsville residents walking through the gates at Riverway.

Guests at the annual festival couldn’t miss the Charminar, a blow- up entrance flanked by four minarets.

“It was great to have a world renowned artist come all the way from India,” Mr Macha said.

“It was a fusion performance blending Western and classical Indian music. We had about 120 people from the Indian community in Townsville performing.

“Special mention should go to two local groups: Natya Entertainment and Alpana’s school of Bollywood dancing. They came up with all the programs and entertainment on stage.”

Budding cooks in Townsville also learnt how to cook Indian specialities, including lamb korma and butter chicken.

Mr Macha said the festival was aimed at teaching the greater Townsville community about Indian culture, food and heritage.

“It’s about getting the Australian community to understand who we are.”