BURLINGTON, MA—If you are used to attending Republic Day celebrations for free in the past, get ready for a big change. India Association of Greater Boston will charge a $5 entry fee to non-members at this year’s Republic Day celebrations on Jan. 30. This is the first time that IAGB will charge an entry fee to a public event.
IAGB, a non-profit community organization, will hold its annual India’s Republic celebration on Jan. 30 at Burlington High School in Burlington, MA. The event will be free to its members. The theme of this year’s event is “Folk Art of India” that and will feature folk music and colorful folk dances.
This year’s annual event, which marks the 66th anniversary of India’s Republic Day, will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Burlington High School, located at 123 Cambridge Street in Burlington, MA. Seating begins at 03:30 PM and doors will be closed during the performances.
Admission to the event is for IAGB members, and $5 for non-members. Food will be available for purchase. Vendors will have an array of products for sale, including arts and crafts, and information about services.
“Year over year, IAGB has strived to provide quality events for the past 53 years that truly include the entire and vibrant community of New England,” IAGB President Jaya Voruganti told INDIA New England News. “As with any professional organization, IAGB wants to continuously raise the bar of quality, professionalism and discipline in its events. Typically, IAGB’s Republic Day event has a rolling crowd as there is no entry fee and attendees choose to arrive and leave as they wish. In an effort to provide a meaningful and enjoyable experience to our attendees and the performers who spend countless hours developing their performance, doors will be closed during IAGB performances this year. And to better instill a sense of professionalism, a nominal fee of $5 is being charged to all non-members.“
The event attendance continues to remain free for all existing IAGB members and children under 18 years of age and those who wish to sign up for membership prior to the event, said Voruganti.
“In addition to our flagship Republic Day and Independence Day Celebrations, IAGB is organizing two additional events (to be announced at the upcoming Republic Day event) to support our community services and integration programs and forums,” Voruganti said. “We intend to provide discounted rates to our members at these additional events.”
In an email letter sent to IAGB members and its supporters, the IAGB Executive Committee said that the event absolutely its members.
“Please note that all NON-MEMBERS will have to pay an entry fee of $5 per person. You are strongly encouraged to sign up for membership,” IAGB Executive Committee said. “We look forward to enjoying beautifully choreographed music and dance performances from our local talent that will represent the vibrant, rich and diverse folk art of India. As always, there will be a variety of vendors offering their products and services. Delicious food and snacks will be available for purchase. “
IAGB hosts this annual event in collaboration with its affiliate Saheli, a support group for South Asian women.
The Indian Republic and its constitution was promulgated on January 26, 1950.The constitution set up India as a secular democracy with equal rights guaranteed for all its citizens, regardless of their religion, language, region or caste.
IAGB, founded in 1962, strives to foster a strong Indian cultural and community presence in the Greater Boston area.
