San Diego’s arts community offers many wonderful cultural events and programs throughout the year, but for both sights and sounds, nothing compares to the annual Indian Music and Dance Festival. Taking place this year March 19-24 at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre, the event features 19 programs. The festival showcases the music and traditional dance of India, alongside wonderful food. Between the colorful clothing, enchanting music and savory meals, it’s a feast for the senses, with more than 5,000 people expected to attend.

Dozens of internationally renowned artists will take part, including sitarist Charumathi Ramachandran, who will perform an opening night concert of Raga’s, dedicated to the late Ravi Shankar, who passed away at his Encinitas home late last year. A further tribute to Shankar will take place on March 23.

Other highlights include a children’s program, a concert from the Trichur Brothers performing traditional Carnatic music, as well as dance programs, highlighted by a performance of the classical dance form Mohiniyattam by Gopika Varma.

Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego Fourth Annual Music and Dance Festival: March 19-24 at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive. All ages. www.indianfinearts.org