News Report
TULSA, OKLAHOMA, USA, November 6, 2003. Hundreds turned out during the one-day India Fest organized by the Hindu Temple of Greater Tulsa which included lots of food, art, music and dancing with a bit of history, culture and Hinduism. Visitors listened to Indian music, sampled some of the spicy cuisine and learned about the history of one of the most-populated countries in the world with a very diverse culture. The Indian community in the Tulsa area consists of about 500 families. India Fest was held as a fund-raiser for the temple, which was built in 1998. Much of the interior is unfinished, and there are plans for a cultural library and community center. Visitors took off their shoes for a tour of the temple and an overview of Hinduism. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t know anything about the religion until today,” said Ray Collins. “I think it’s important for people to step outside of themselves and see what others are like.” Many lined up to have their hands adorned with henna art, which are temporary tattoos created with a paste made from the leaves of a plant, an art form that goes back 2,500 years in India. Kim Brandt, 16, selected a flowery design and watched as one of the artists applied it to her palm. “It’s going to be a souvenir I can keep for a while,” she said. “Besides, it’s the only tattoo my mom will let me get.” In a tent filled with tables and chairs, Mary Lentz dug into a plate piled high with rice and vegetables. “The food is why I came out here today, but I’ve ended up learning a lot about the culture. It really puts everything in the right perspective,” she said.