CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- It was an afternoon of Indian food, dancing, and culture. Despite the rainy weather, over four hundred people were expected to come out to celebrate Indian Independence Day. "India Day” is in celebration of India's Independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. The Southern Tier India Cultural Association, also known as STICA, puts on the India Day event in Corning every year as a celebration of community and culture. 

“We have different types of upbringings, but there's a commonality between what we have grown up with India as well as how we live in the United States. So, it's a celebration of cultures, and it ties us closer together in the community,” said Souma Chaudhury, vice president of STICA. 

India day is an opportunity to get familiar with the uniqueness of Indian culture. From the dancing to the food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The city of Corning is proud to be a part of the event. 

“Its just a wonderful event where we celebrate the independence of India. This year is the 77th anniversary of their independence from the United Kingdom. it's wonderful, every single year people come out and they're dancing, and they're singing, and it's just a wonderful celebration,” said Mayor William Boland of Corning.  

The food was a highlight of the event. There were dishes from the Northern and Southern regions of India, as well as street chaat stalls. 

“India is the most diverse place, and each place has their own unique food. So, I think people will enjoy all the [food], so they should understand the part of India where we are coming, the food and everything,” said Deepali Sharma, food chair for STICA. 

The STICA has a variety of programs throughout the year, and say they aim to build bridges across cultures in our region. The STICA website can be found here.