Cumming, GA, April 4, 2025: Bursting with vibrant colors, enchanting music, and mesmerizing dance, the 2025 North Georgia Indian Dance Festival, hosted at Focal Center Cumming, resonated deeply with the Cumming community, bringing together nearly 880 participants. The 2025 dance festival, a collaboration between Soorya Foundation and Focal Center, was well attended by locals, elected representatives, and artists from North GA.
“The North GA Indian Dance Festival transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a vital source for preserving culture and fostering community bonds,” stated Guru Sushma Mohan, artistic director of the Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts. “The North GA Indian Dance festival is aimed at fulfilling our community’s cultural needs. Our mission is to bring together dancers, artists, Indian Americans, and non-Indians. As the only Indian classical dance festival in Georgia (and offered free to the public), our event holds immense significance for helping the next generation of young Indian Americans connect with their heritage and cultural roots.”
The annual festival presented free to the public featured an impressive array of performances from esteemed dance troupes, including Srivani Kuchupudi Dance Academy, led by Guru Revathi Komanduri; the Atlanta Nritya Academy, guided by Guru Sudakshina Mukherjee; the Academy of Kuchipudi Dance, with Guru Sasikala Penumarthi; the Nrityanjali Ensemble from NJ with Guru Ramya Ramnarayan and the Soorya Foundation Ensemble, under the direction of Guru Sushma Mohan.
The event’s highlight was a spontaneous presentation by the dance gurus of North Georgia and Alabama, directed by Ms. Mohan, captivating the audience and earning a resounding ovation. Guru Revathi Komanduri, Guru Soujanya Madhusudhan, Guru Savitha Viswanathan, Guru Sudakshina Mukherjee, Guru Harini Santhanam, Senior dancer Shanti UmaShankar and Guru Sudha Raghuram (AL) took the audience on a journey through time, connecting the ancient teachings of the Natya Shastra with modern interpretations, blending timeless traditions with contemporary expressions. This spontaneous dance presentation was supported by melodious background vocals by Atlanta Indian Idol winner Sripriya Srinivas.
Photos provided by Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts. Photos by Landen Todd and PhotoXperts.
State House Representative Todd Jones reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “Experiencing the flourishing North GA Indian Dance Festival in Cumming has been truly remarkable. This event represents more than just captivating performances; it is a meaningful exchange of cultures, creating a bridge between the past and present of Georgia and India. I feel privileged to have participated in such a heartfelt gathering.”
Other special invitees of the evening were Rupal Vaishnav, Chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Tax Assessors; Forsyth County Arts Alliance representative Elizabeth Katherine Porcel; Forsyth County Commissioner Todd Levent; and Gerry Sullivan of the Forsyth County Board of Tax Assessors.
Rupav Vaishnav appreciated Guru Sushma Mohan’s efforts and wished the foundation more success in the upcoming events.
Ultimately, the festival not only honored the profound legacy of Indian dance but also served as a vital platform for community connection, educational initiatives, and cultural exchange. It showcased how India’s rich traditions continue to hold relevance in contemporary society.
The North GA Indian Dance Festival is presented by Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Forsyth County Arts Alliance.
Established in Los Angeles under Guru Sushma Mohan’s direction, the Soorya Foundation for Performing Arts stands as a pillar of tradition and creativity in the performing arts. Focusing on dance, music festivals, and educational programs, the Foundation dedicates itself to preserving and sharing the vibrant narrative of Indian classical dance and music. Your support plays a crucial role in ensuring these art forms flourish for future generations.
