Welcome to Taste of India and the Cultural Festivities 2026!
The Royal Essence of India
Empire • Elegance • Opulence
Witness the world where history rules supreme and culture unfolds in breathtaking splendor.
Taste of India, 2026 will celebrate India's majestic legacy— an era defined by powerful empires, refined elegance, and timeless opulence. Inspired by the grandeur of India's royal courts from the great Ashoka to Mughal emperors and The Maratha empires to the Rajput maharajas - this festival brings to life the artistry, traditions, and cultural brilliance that shaped one of the world's oldest civilizations.
Guests will be immersed in a regal atmosphere featuring classical and contemporary dance performances, soul-stirring music, and theatrical presentations that echo the splendor of royal durbar and palace celebrations. Performers adorned in exquisite costumes, intricate jewelry, and vibrant silks transport the audience to an age of ceremonial grace and cultural pride. More than a celebration of the past, The Royal Essence of India is a tribute to India's living culture—where tradition meets modern expression, and history inspires the future.
Join us on April 18th for an unforgettable evening of imperial grandeur, refined artistry, and opulent experiences—a royal affair that honors India's glorious legacy while creating memories fit for royalty.
Taste of India 2026 Cultural Program Participation Guidelines.
Age and number of performances per participants:
- All participants must be aged 5 years or older.
- Under 12-year-old may participate in only one performance.
- 12-year-old or older may participate in maximum 2 performances.
- Professional choreographers are exempt from these rules.
Registration Fees:
- A non-refundable registration fee of $40.00 per performance/group of 4 to 7 participants, $70.00 per performance/group of 8 to 11 participants & $100.00 per performance/group of 12+ participants
- Registration fee must be paid online by applicant/choreographer for all the team members per performance.
Minimum Number of Performers per Team and Performance Duration:
- Each dance performance must have a minimum of 4 participants. Chair, Cultural Committee may consider waiving this requirement for 13 year or older participants.
- Under 8 years old maximum 4 minutes duration of the performance.
- Each performance should not be more than 6 minutes.
Music Upload:
- All music must be uploaded online on registration link which will be shared separately (Mp3 files only allowed).
- All music uploads must be completed by March 1, 2026.
- NO CD/Pen drive will be accepted
No Food in Green Rooms:
- Choreographers, team leaders and parents shall ensure that participants do not bring any food or drinks into the Green Rooms.
Registration:
- Registrations will be accepted on first come, first served basis, subject to approval by Cultural Committee.
- The first registration for a particular song will be given preference.
- Please check and confirm that the song you wish to register has not already been registered.
- Registration will close on February 15, 2026.
- If all available slots fill up sooner, registration will close earlier.
- The Cultural Committee reserves the right to disapprove any registration where the proposed performance’s quality or content does not adequately promote the objectives of the Cultural Program -in the Cultural Committee Chair’s sole discretion.
Cultural Rehearsal:
- Sunday, April 12, 2026 – at Hindu Temple of Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, VA.
- Participation of all performers (excluding College Teams) is mandatory.
Taste of India 2026 College Participation Guidelines.
Registration Fees:
- A refundable registration fee of $100.00 per performance/group.
- Refund will be issued after performance.
- Registration fee must be paid online by applicant/choreographer for all the team members per performance.
Music Upload:
- All music must be uploaded online on registration link which will be shared separately (Mp3 files only allowed).
- All music uploads must be completed by March 1, 2026.
- NO CD/Pen drive will be accepted
No Food in Green Rooms:
- Choreographers, team leaders, students and parents shall ensure that participants do not bring any food or drinks into the Green Rooms.
Registration:
- Registration will close on February 15, 2026.
- If all available slots fill up sooner, registration will close earlier.
- The Cultural Committee reserves the right to disapprove any registration where the proposed performance’s quality or content does not adequately promote the objectives of the Cultural Program -in the Cultural Committee Chair’s sole discretion.
