The Festival of India was started in Australia around 2002 with a large event each year in Liverpool celebrating Sri Krishna Janmastami - the birthday of Krishna. In 2005 the Festival was moved to Castle Hill Showground, a more central location which facilitated people of all backgrounds as well as of Indian origin, and has been celebrated there each year since with great attendance.
The event hosts internationally renowned traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers, and dramatic artists, as well as lecturers of spiritual philosophy, teachers of yoga and meditation techniques, and attracts dignitaries from the council and government departments.
 In 2006 the addition of Ratha-Yatra, or the 'Festival of the Chariots', was seen in Sydney's CBD. As part of the annual Holi festival organised in Darling Harbour by the Indian cultural organisation Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Ratha-Yatra involves pulling a huge chariot which carries 3 Deities with ropes through the city streets. Accompanied by chanting of ancient Sanskrit mantras with drums and various instruments, the decorated chariot moves through the crowded streets with a hydraulic canopy to avoid overhead brances and cables.
With renewed enthusiasm and determination, FOI steadily progresses into the twenty-first century. The contents and presentations are the timeless culture and knowledge of the Vedic literatures of ancient India. The teachings of the Vedas are historically over 5000 years old, the wisdom being passed down through countless generations.
Festival of India is a 100% volunteer run, non-profit organisation which is funded by contributions from our loyal supporters, whose stands can be seen at our festivals, and by advertisements in our annual magazine which is distibuted at the Janmastami festival around August/September each year. For details how to support us please use the contact us page.
Festival Origins
 The Festival of India began in North America, and was originally established in 1979 as an outreach project of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
The impact that the Festival of India (FOI) has had on the minds and hearts of its literally countless casual visitors and active participants is inestimable. Since it's founding, FOI has effectively transformed hundreds of locations. City centres and parks, university and college campuses, county fair grounds, and even urban sidewalks were changed into glorious samplings of timeless artistry, science, and culture.
The Festival of India track record stands as clear evidence. In the course of facilitating literally millions of festivalgoers at thousands of events worldwide, FOI has won approval from students, professors, professionals, authors, and celebrities and has been enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Festival of India offers a wealth of opportunities for everyone, teaches a universal wisdom to people of all ages.
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