Nashauna Drummond, Lifestyle Coordinator

Indians, Jamaicans and people from all walks of life, turned out for the fifth annual Coco Cola roti festival at Club India, on Lady Musgrave Road, last week Sunday.

The distinct aroma of curry and various spices floated in the sporadic afternoon wind, tickling every nostril in a very packed venue.

The key ingredient for having a good time is food, and Indians know good, spicy food. Roti showed its many variations in the form of dosti, dhal puri and aloo. And what is roti without curry? There were good old curried chicken, goat, chick peas, potato, and vada, dosa, among others.

Fun activities

But the food wasn't the only thing keeping patrons occupied. There were various activities for everyone. Children were kept occupied with a bounce-about and face-painting, while the adults could get mehndi designs or threading (having hair removed from the face using thread), or shopping at various stalls laden with Indian clothing, jewellery and spices.

But when the entertainment kicked off about 2:30 p.m., everyone turned the attention to the stage. From the colourful costumes to the intricate hand movements, it was a captivating sight; from traditional folk dances, to Bollywood, to Dr Winston Tolan and the Indian band, everyone was entertained.

Entertainment

Chantelle and Rachelle Biersay kicked off the show with a stick dance, and tried to teach a few patrons in the audience, including Coco Cola Brand Manager Karen Rosan the move. Sohail Chopra didn't know the sweep, but he's a pro at Indian dance. Parents of the members of the Anjali School of Indian Classical Dance got out their cellphones and cameras of various sizes to capture photos of their children onstage. Meanwhile, some people just came to collect their food and return home, but for those who hung around, it was a very good way to relax on a Sunday afternoon.