Have you ever wanted to travel to India and experience its spiritual culture first-hand, but just couldn't afford it? Well here's your chance to get a taste of it by attending the Ram Fest 2011 this Sunday, April 10 at Govinda's Natural Foods Buffet and Boutique, 711 E. Blacklidge Dr.
This free family-oriented festival will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. followed by a free vegetarian feast around 8:45 p.m.
It reflects the major Hindu festival, Sri Rama Navami, which celebrates the existence of Sri Ramachandra, or Ram, a popular Hindu god who is recognized as being the seventh major incarnation of Vishnu, said Sandamini Devi, the founder of Govinda's. He is also celebrated for being the ideal king and husband who promotes virtue and morality by protecting humanity and destroying the world's evil forces.
But even if the Ram Fest is designed to celebrate a Hindu god, that doesn't mean it is sectarian and can't be enjoyed by the rest of the community, Devi explains. Instead, she hopes this celebration will present Tucson with another fun, enlivening experience involving another culture.
"I feel that the Tucson community is really open-minded. This event can expose them to something they haven't thought about before. It can bridge the gap and show them how this culture is very sublime, lively and colorful," Devi enthused.
To help demonstrate just how transcendent the Hindu culture is, Devi announces that they have a great line-up of entertainment in store for those who do attend. Set to Indian chants and music while wearing beautiful Indian garb, entertainers like Tucson's fire-acrobatic troupe Elementary Artistry will perform, as well as local Kakoli Basu's Eastern-styled dance troupe, Urvashi. There will also be a highly anticipated performance by refugees from Bhutan, Nepal.
"They came to last year's Krishna fest and they do pillage dances that aren't choreographed," Devi said.
There will also be food booths for those craving traditional Indian dishes, as well as vegetarian cooking demonstrations for those interested in making them. Fun activities for children, such as Hindu-styled arts and crafts will also be readily available.
Toward the end of the festival, there will be a temple ceremony to honor Ram. It will include more chanting and the bathing of his sacred statue with foods like yogurt, butter and honey. Tucsonans can either choose to participate or observe. Either way, it brings good karma, Devi said.
"We all want to be purified in some way. Hearing the chanting, bathing the deities can elevate everyone's consciousness. The ceremony is open to anyone who wants to do that," Devi explained.
All in all, the Ram Fest is another event to experience another culture that may be different than your own.
"People can take a little glimpse of India without leaving the neighborhood," Devi suggested.
For more information about Ram Fest 2011, call 792-0630 or visit www.GovindasofTucson.com.
