The lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Enjoy the Indian traditional art demonstrations and workshops of Henna, Rangoli and Diyas (traditional candles) making.

Watch a traditional folk dance demonstration of Raas Garba and Dandeea Raas (Indian traditional folk dances) and join in participatory dancing all the afternoon! Taste food treats, with Nasta (salty snacks) and Fafra and Mitae (sweet snacks), together with delicious Samosas and Pekoras!

This is a FREE event!

Event Schedule

1 pm – 3 pm Traditional Arts & Crafts Workshops and Demonstrations

Rangoli Making: Join in making Rangoli, one of the most popular art forms in India. All guests and visitors occupy a very special place and Rangoli is an expression of this warm hospitality.

Diyas Making: Participate to the making of these traditional candles. Diyas in India are lamps made usually of clay, with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee or vegetable oils. Diyas are predominantly used in the Hindu religious Diwali Festival, and are unique to Hinduism practices.

Henna & Body Art: Experience the ancient tradition of Henna as body art. In ancient times, this plant was regarded as having blessings, and was applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. Brides typically had the most henna, and the most complex patterns, to support their greatest joy, and wishes for luck.

Indian Boutique: Browse a nice selection of Indian clothing, art and jewelry.

Indian themed art exhibit: View the paintings inspired by Indian culture of Glenn Szegedy and Jean Winslow.

Free Food Treats: enjoy Nasta (salty snacks), and Fafra and Mitae (sweet snacks).

1 pm - 3 pm Sahaja Yoga: Experience the light within!

NOTE: This event section is held at Life Alive, Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe’

194 Middle Street, next to the Revolving Museum

Sahaja Yoga Drop-in Workshop: Experience this unique breathing technique and posture. This is a method of meditation based on an experience called “Self Realization” (Kundalini Awakening) that can occur within in each meditation.

Free lentil soup samples!

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Special Film Screening of local filmmaker Pete Pedulla's "tripumentary" Pete Goes to India

ALL Arts Gallery, 246 Market Street.

Tour along with Pete in this vibrant travel film as he spends 18 days exploring the subcontinent!

View a trailer for Pete Goes to India at http://video.aol.com/video-detail/india-trailer/3676913970 

3 pm – 5 pm: Indian Art Performances (at the Revolving Museum)

3:00 – 3:30 Traditional Dance Performances

Jasmine Shah and the Aangikam Dance Academy of Nashua

Bharata Natyam: Bharata Natyam is a main classical style in India, developed from ritualistic dances performed in the past as offerings to the deities of Hindu temples and in a more sophisticated form in the courts by solo female dancers. It traditionally maintains a style closely related to the type of dancing mirrored in temple sculpture.

Manipuri: Manipuri form of Dance is a gentle dance with graceful swaying movements.

Raas Garba and Dandeea Raas: Indian traditional folk dances. Dandeea Raas is performed with traditional Dandeeas, wooden stickers.

3:30 – 4:00: Participatory Dancing: Join us and dance!

BYOD: bring your own Dandeea!

Free Food Appetizers

Enjoy delicious Samozas and Pekoras from Bombay Mahal.

Masala Chai tea served.