Curry On in Parramatta with Parramasala
Top: Premier Baird launches Parramsala Festival at the grand Marion in Parramatta
Bottom: Di Henry, Festival Director (second from Left), Sumathi Krishnan and Sonia Gandhi at the launch
When Premier Mike Baird says ”˜block the three days’ in your diary in the month of October from 17th to the 19th to the Indian community, then one must because they are the three intensive festive days full of entertainment, dance, music, food, Bollywood, films non-stop in the heart of Parramatta. The Premier declared Parramasala Festival launched and lit the ceremonial Indian lamp with Dr Hari Harinath, Anupam Sharma Parramasala festivals’ ambassador and Di Henry, the festival director of Parramasala on August 27 at the Grand Marion a newly opened function centre above Patel Brothers.
As people tucked into Billu’s Samosas, chicken tikkas over a glass of wine, Di outlined various highlights of Parramasala this year. From a Bollywood Block Party on Wigram Street to Masala Markets with over fifty stalls, a Chai Temple, even a documentary movie on famous Sarod player Pandit Ashok Roy by Oonaagh Sheerard and also sufi love chants by the Sydney Qawwali Party.
“Parramasala is a true cultural showcase representing the multicultural mix that has made Parramatta its home, ” said the Premier. Parramasala which is now in its fifth year has become the iconic festival which truly represents Parramatta’s South Asian community with 36 per cent of it from India to which the Premier said, “Parramasala festival reinforces Australia’s friendship with India.”
Parramatta Mayor John Chedid
Parramatta MP Dr. Geoff Lee with Sanjay Patel of Patel Brothers
This year the festival has included Harris Park and its growing Indian community as Wigram Street closes off on October 18 from 5 -10pmand turns itself into a full blown Indian bazaar with hawkers going around on the street selling food with Bollywood dancers dancing to Bollywood music in the middle of the street. The restaurants that take part in the Wigram Street ”˜Curry On’ Night are: Billu’s Indian Eatery, Kuber Taj Indian, Chutney, Spice of Life, Taj Indian Sweets, Taza Tandoori, Celebrations and Taj Bhavan Indian restaurants. There will be fashion parades by the fashion stores with their models in roving runway parades as people join in in the fun on Wigram and Marion streets to witness an atmosphere that delights all their senses including visual, aural and taste.
Rekha Rajvanshi with Sumi Krishanan
Vish Viswanathan and Rekha Rajvanshi 
Aparna Vats with Hornsby Shire Councillor Gurdeep Singh
Anupam Sharma with Rabitah Editor Munir Mohammed, Opposition Leader John Robertson
“It’s all loud and the spirit is to party, party and party,” said Di.
Lennox Theatre is the soul of Parramasala as it showcases a play in Hindi ”˜Kanjoos’ ”“ an Indian adaptation of a French comedy by Moliere directed by Saba Zaidi to be staged on October 18. The characters of Kanjoos in their costumes were at the launch as guests took pictures with them.
Another highlight is a Carnatic performance by Rithvik Raja, Parveen Kumar and M Rajeev brought from Chennai by Vish Viswanathan. The festival kicks off with a parade on Church street and outdoor stage in Prince Alfred Park will be busy throughout the weekend of 18th and 19th featuring music, dances by Odissi dancers, a silent disco, rangoli decorations and much more. Do visit: www.parramasala.com and do keep yourself free and head to Parramatta on 17th, 18th and the 19th of October.
Voice of India – Monika Geetmala broadcaster Shailja Chandra with Durva Gandhi – an artist and an avid art collector 
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