Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
A patron waits for his meal at Roti Festival at Club India on Sunday. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ROTI FESTIVAL 2006 was indeed bigger and better. There was more food, more people and more fun.
The festival, hosted by the National Council for Indian Culture, was held at Club India, 38 Lady Musgrave Road, on Sunday. This was the festival's second year in existence. It was an event for the entire family and every race.
Although a celebration of the East Indians in Jamaica, every race was represented at the roti festival. As waves of soothing Indian music filled the warm afternoon, the laughter of children and chatter of the patrons were decibels higher. The children had a wonderful time as they enjoyed the rides and attractions. There was a mechanical bull, bounce-about, train and rock climbing. They were well entertained.
While the children were busy, the adults enjoyed their roti. All kinds of roti were there for the offering: aloo roti, plain roti, naan roti, and curry, many persons sat under the tents and devoured the Indian cuisine. Others were not so lucky. They had to stand and eat or sit under the large mango tree. They did not seem to mind. The long lines, it seemed, were also not a problem.
After eating, there were booths to visit. The Indian jewellery was a hit, with many non-Indians purchasing Bindhi. Red Bindhis were traditionally worn on the forehead by married women. However, according to one young lady, they are now mostly worn for fashion.
The entertainment segment of the festival featured Indian dances, the Nya Zamana Band which played traditional Indian music, the UWI Panaridim Steel Orchestra and a fashion show, courtesy of Cooyah. There were also many giveaways and contests. The man with the longest hair contest was won by a Rastafarian.
