Celebrating Indian culture in northeast Nebraska

NORFOLK -- One of the only Indian restaurants in Nebraska outside of Lincoln and Omaha is celebrating an Indian festival in northeast Nebrask this weekend.

"Sankrati" marks the beginning of the new year, and it is when farmers wish for a good harvest. Aroma Circuit owner Krishna Velagapudi said he is used to making bonfires, flying kites and celebrating Sankrati with the entire community to mark the celebration.

It's why he put on a special feast at his restaurant on Friday night. 

"I would like that to be a part of a community thing, rather than just me and my family," Velagapudi said. "Introducing not just the food, but also the culture to the community."

The Indian restaurant, located in Norfolk along with the Karma Lounge inside the Country Inn & Suites, opened three years ago. It's grown each year, according to Velagapudi, who also works as a cardiologist at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

He said he's been dropping off some of their foods at churches to raise awareness that the foods are not all spicy -- rather, Indian food consists of meats, vegetables, rices, naan, which is a type of bread, and more all tailored to flavors guests prefer.