Redmond City Hall will host the 10th annual Ananda Mela (Joyful Festival of India) July 27-28. This year, the event will have a series of workshops and special presentations on the theme of “Live Healthy, Be Happy.”

The free festival, suitable for all ages, will be held from noon to 9 p.m. both days, under the title sponsorship of Singapore Airlines and grants from Experience Redmond and 4Culture.

Ananda Mela is the biggest festival of Indian art and culture in the Pacific Northwest, and the largest cultural festival in Redmond. It is organized by the Vedic Cultural Center (VCC) of Sammamish under contract from the city of Redmond.

“We are exhilarated to offer the 10th edition of Ananda Mela in Redmond,” Ananda Mela’s president Harry Terhanian said. “The festival has evolved into an effective community builder under the rich theme of Indian art and culture.”

Entertainment will be presented on three stages on both days, with performances by local, regional and international talent. Prime time entertainment is provided by international acts, starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, The Mayapuris, musicians and dancers from Utah, are returning to entertain and inspire audiences. Sunday’s prime-time show features two high-energy groups from Los Angeles, namely Bollypop and Desert Fire, collaborating to display Indian dances from the ultra-modern to the traditional.

The festival will feature several interesting contests for various age groups such as cooking contest, chess contest and rangoli contest. Hands-on experiences will include making pottery, making spices and more. For youngsters, there will be inflatables, bouncies, performances and engaging contests.

There will be attractive shopping featuring Indian jewelry, sarees and other attire, and vegetarian Indian food featuring cuisines from many regions of India.

“Ananda Mela is a magnificent cultural bridge connecting people from diverse cultures, living in and visiting Redmond,” said Ananda Mela outreach and development director Latha Sambamurti. “Through a variety of experiences and participatory activities such as contests with prizes, visual displays and stage entertainment, we strive to give Ananda Mela attendees lasting fond memories and enhanced mutual understanding which are instrumental in forging a strong community and nation.”

Redmond City Hall is located at 15670 NE 85th St. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/VCCFestivals.