The aromas of tantalizing spices, sizzling street snacks, and sweet sugarcane juice will soon fill the air in Cherry Hill as the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir prepares to welcome the community for its annual outdoor food festival next weekend.
Set for Sunday, May 17, the Indian Food Festival will transform the temple grounds at 99 Burnt Mill Road into a lively celebration of Indian cuisine, family entertainment, and cultural experiences. Organizers say the event is designed to be open and welcoming to everyone, whether longtime fans of Indian food or curious first-time visitors.
Running from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the festival itself will be free. It will feature a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, traditional snacks, and beverages at affordable prices at each vendor. Among the highlights expected to draw crowds is freshly pressed sugarcane juice, a refreshing favorite often associated with Indian street markets and summer festivals.
Beyond the food, the event aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere with bounce houses and children’s activities, along with shopping stalls offering unique goods and specialty items. Temple representatives also noted that the mandir will remain open during the festival for guests interested in learning more about Hindu culture and taking guided tours of the temple.
The annual gathering has become a growing community tradition in Cherry Hill, bringing together residents from across South Jersey through food and cultural exchange. Organizers say the festival reflects the temple’s broader mission of community outreach and hospitality.
To help manage crowds and reduce wait times, attendees are encouraged to pre-order food in advance by scanning the QR code featured on the event flyer. Payment will still be made at pickup during the festival.
With warm spring weather arriving and outdoor community events returning in full force across the region, the SMVS festival is expected to draw families, food lovers, and local residents looking for a unique cultural experience in South Jersey.
The Community Food Festival will take place Sunday, May 17, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Admission is open to the public.
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