Cultural: South Asia (India)

Holi Festival, Providence, RI

Not sure what to expect, I accepted an invitation to participate in the celebration of Holi: the Indian festival of colors; a welcoming of Spring and the triumph of good over evil. I joined a diverse group of about 50 great folks - young and old - who came from around New England and beyond.

This intimate evening gathering was at the temporary address of the India Museum and Heritage Society in Providence.

Holi is, among other things, an opportunity to make friends and forgive past transgressions. It is known for the liberal showering of Gulal (mild colors, in this case) and petals of fresh flowers.

Outstanding musicians and vocalists, members of the Vrindavana Preservation Society, provided enlightening bhajans (hymns) and kirtan (music) for everyone. Afterward, a fabulous vegetarian prasadam (dinner) was shared by all.

(SEE: Below)

Holi Festival, Epping, NH

Unlike the small gathering in Providence earlier in the month (SEE: Holi Festival, Providence, RI), this huge event took place largely outdoors. During a perfectly wonderful, clear, warm spring day, literally hundreds of festival attendees gathered on the grounds of a rural New Hampshire farm. The Saraswati Mandiram's Green Pastures is a spacious facility where the religious organization promotes "holistic health, music, yoga, science and philosophy."

In the auditorium, Holi cultural programs included -- once again -- music by members of Boston's Vrindavana Preservation Society, story pageants presented by a number of children, as well as other music and dance on stage.

Anxious to get the party going, a generous contingent of mostly teenage South Asians spilled out early into the parking lot to commence the spreading of color. The gulal powder was everywhere and on everyone.

Bright green, blue, red, yellow and purple powder filled the air, along with recorded festival songs and popular South Asian film music. Everyone danced: styles ranging from disco to popular to funky. Even "conga" lines. There were lots of adults and lots of small children in the crowd, too.

Traditionally, a Holika Dahen (bonfire) is lit the night before a Holi celebration, but today, the bonfire was part of the after-dark activities.

A huge vegetarian prasadam (dinner) was served in the dining hall. After the bonfire, Vicki and I were unfortunately among those who missed the food, which ran out early. An overwhelming number of celebrants far exceeded the mere 300 I was told were expected. The draw included a large number of non-Indian attendees, but I think Vicki was the only "natural" red-head there.

All proceeds from the event were contributed to the India Development & Relief Fund (IDRF) and IDRF-supported child education projects in India.

Northern Indian Music Lecture / Demonstration

Guests of Harvard University, Brian Q. Silver (sitar), Shubha Sankaran (surbahar) and Peter Fagiola (percussion) demonstrate and discuss ancient and rarely heard forms of North Indian music and rarely played instruments.

Diwali Festival at MIT

Diwali is the annual festival of lights, or "New Years" of sorts, held usually in November throughout India and by Indians around the world. This celebration featured several student performances of song, music and dance. The dances included a dance of lights. Even the spotlight operators celebrated with enthusiasm (perhaps too much so).

Oh, yes, there was plenty of food at the buffet provided by our favorite restaurant, Harvard Square's Bombay Club. Apparently everyone else's favorite, too, as much of the audience got in the buffet line early and refused to heed the emcee's pleas to wait.

Neena Gulati Solo Performance

Neena Gulati, director of the Triveni School of Dance performs a solo interpretive dance to the accompaniment of music and the poetry of Mirabai and Kabir. Central Congregational Church of Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts.

• VIDEO!!!

Triveni's 25th Anniversary Student Recital

I was hired by the Triveni School to produce the video tape of this special occasion, featuring the extreme talents of over 100 students, staff and a live orchestra. Directing and editing the nearly three-hour performance was an exciting and demanding project, to say the least. MIT Kresge Auditorium, Cambridge Massachusetts.

Lasandhi Dance Company

Promotional still shots I was engaged to create for the local dance company, Lasandhi (formerly Lasya). Tara Ahmed, an accomplished dancer, is also a teacher, choreographer and Lasya's founder. Her creative work and that of the music and dance ensemble combines classical East Indian art forms with traditional and contemporary influences from a variety of cultural styles. Lasandhi had a terriffic fundraiser party in February and presented an exciting new performance in Worcester and Cambridge, January-March. (Read below):

"In a dynamic fusion of the ancient and contemporary, Tara Ahmed and Sangita Shresthova present classical Indian dance and modern choreography inspired by Indian women's poetry. This ensemble explores the nine emotions as seen through the eyes of India's goddesses and women. Featuring Elaine Fong (taiko drums), Durga Krishnan (veena), Suresh Mathur (flute), Ioannis Moutsakis (Middle Eastern percussion) and Ramani Sripada-Vaz (voice)."

MIT-Natya's Annual Natyanjali Performance at MIT

Very talented and accomplished senior dance students perform a variety of styles. MIT Kresge Little Theater.

Younger Students of the Triveni School

Performance during the Brookline Arts in the Park Festival, Larz-Anderson Park (Museum of Transportation), Brookline, Massachusetts.

More of the beginner Triveni School Students

Performance during the Brookline Arts in the Park Festival, Larz-Anderson Park (Museum of Transportation), Brookline, Massachusetts.