You may or may not find inner peace at this weekend's India Fest , but you'll certainly find a tasty bowl of dhal soup. And you'll surely experience an array of traditional Indian culture, such as native music, dance, and art.

The fest begins Saturday with a free bazaar at Agricenter International, featuring all things India with sales of native clothing, jewelry, crafts, and other accessories. Vendors also will be peddling food from the various regions of India.

"There will be booths representing 10 different states, and people can taste the cuisine from each. Regionally, there's quite a difference in the way food is prepared in terms of spices," says Neeraj Gupta, president of the India Association of Memphis.

When the belly is full, be sure to work off those calories with free yoga and Indian dance lessons.

On Sunday, the party will move to the Michael Rose Theater at the University of Memphis. Musicians, dancers, and specialists in "hand shadowgraphy" will take the stage for "Yaadein: An Evening of Entertainment To Celebrate Six Decades of Independence."

"India is so unique, and it has so much to offer," Gupta says. "We want to make the broader community aware of the arts of India."

India Fest Bazaar, Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove, Saturday, August 18th, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

"Yaadein," Michael Rose Theater, University of Memphis, Sunday, August 19th, 4-8 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 Day of show.

--by Bianca Phillips