The third annual “Puranava” Indian Culture Fest is back at the Pearland Town Center pavilion, 11200 Broadway St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021. 

“Pura” means ancient and “Nava” means new or modern. True to its name, this festival, which is presented by Global Organization for Divinity, aims to provide attendees an experience of India’s vibrant, age-old culture which is still an integral part of modern India.

This project is supported by the City of Pearland’s Cultural Arts Grant program from the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

From 5 p.m. onwards, there will be cultural arts performances with Indian classical and folk dances and music from different Indian regions, activities including arts, crafts, henna and rangoli, lots of photo ops, Indian food, a bazaar with vendor booths featuring local businesses, and much more. Free Covid-19 vaccine shots will also be offered. This culture fest is a free and open, public event.

As part of this culture fest celebration, there will also be an Indian classical music competition (held online) and a ‘Heritage Vocabulary Bee’ contest (partly online and partly at the event). These competitions are open to participants of all cultural backgrounds. Competition guidelines and registration info is available at www.puranava-usa.org.

The culture fest will culminate with a “Universal Harmony Kirtan” and a Prayer for Peace, as special balloons are distributed to everyone. The essential Indian culture emphasizes on universal harmony and acceptance of all. “May the entire world be happy!” This is a central prayer and theme that runs through the entire Indian ethos; a way through which universal love and acceptance of all cultures, beliefs, and beings is ingrained as part of life.

For more information about Puranava, or to reserve a free vendor booth space, call 281-402-6585.

For more information about Global Organization for Divinity, visit houston.godivinity.org or their Facebook page, GOD Namadwaar Houston.