Nationwide Calendar

Oct 01, 2003

Northeast

Kalighat Pat art exhibition. Organized by Gallery ArtsIndia. 206 Fifth Ave, between 25th and 26th St., New York. Through Oct. 14. (212) 725-6092. info@artsindia.com.

Art Exhibition featuring photoworks from Nineteen Sixties and Seventies, is a display of works by Nasreen Mohamedi. The exhibits are rare photographic works created by the artist from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. Capturing the evanescent, while distilling the monumental, Mohamedi strove to find the essence of things, creating a unity of form and connecting life as a whole, using a line. She is said to be one of the rare Indian artists who, with minimal means and a sincere susceptibility to perception, created work that was in sharp variance with the figurative and representational painters that dominated the early decades of the post-independence Indian art milieu. These black-and-white photo works, from the artist's collection, are being exhibited in their entirety for the first time. Organized by Talwar Gallery. 108 East 16 St., New York. Through Oct. 25. (212) 673-3096. www.talwargallery.com.

Operation Monsoon book tour. Author Shona Ramaya?s latest collection of short stories does not promote the exotic appeal of India or the immigrant experience. Instead her stories focus on the merging of cultures. What happens when traditions meet the modern world? How do you continue your cultural customs and thoughts in a world that is now ruled by the World Wide Web? Operation Monsoon offers an India where Hindu epics are broadcast as soap operas and kidney donations have supplanted reincarnation. Ramaya?s stories relate cultural experiences that embody life in a globalized India. Odyssey Books, The Village Commons, 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA. Oct. 10, 7 p.m. (413)-534 7307. webpages.charter.net/shonaramaya/booktour.html. shonaramaya@yahoo.com.

Melody and Rhythm in Karnatik Music is a lecture/demonstration by Geetha Ramanathan Bennett and Trichy Sankaran. Following the workshop Bennett will perform a veena concert accompanied by David Nelson (mridangam), artist in residence, Wesleyan University. Organized by Sruti. St.Mary?s Hall, Villanova University, Villanova, PA. Oct. 11. (215) 643-2145, (610) 358-1673.

International Bhangra Championship Join in for a celebration of Punjab, featuring eight world-class bhangra teams competing and presenting a thrilling fusion of traditional bhangra, the latest music and a live concert by superstar Jazzy B! Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th St., Manhattan, New York. Oct. 17. $30, $40, $50, $75. (718) 898-2233, (212) 532-0770, (201) 963-8073. www.bchamps.com/.

Classical Dance Workshop conducted by Bala Devi Chandrashekar (senior student Padma Subrahmanyam). The Participants will get a holistic learning of new pedagogy technique evolved for body training based on Natya Sastra; various practical and theoretical aspects of dance like nritta, abhinaya, nritya; practical lessons on the core elements of 108 Karanas (unit of dance); abhinaya in its true form; practical and theoretical concepts, getting a true perspective of dance with clarity of inner spirit and conviction. Lotus Music and Dance Studio, 109 W 27th St 8th floor, New York. Oct. 11 and Oct. 18; 2-4 p.m. for juniors, 4:15-6:15 p.m. for seniors. $250. (609) 430 0301, (212) 627-1076 . chandrubala@yahoo.com, info@lotusarts.com.

Himalaya (Tibetan with English subtitles) is a film inspired by director Eric Valli's years of living in Nepal. It is performed by actual villagers in the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas, resulting in a fascinating view of traditional Nepalese life mixed with a plot that resembles classic American Westerns. This film is being featured as part of the Spiritual Adventures: The Himalayas on Film series. Freer Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Himalayas: Where the Gods Dance: Watch Nepali dancer Bhim Dahal introduce the language of gesture shared by dance, sculpture, and painting in Buddhist art. Then explore the Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure exhibition and take a class on Manjusri dance. This event is part of the ImaginAsia program for a children. Sackler classroom, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 18, Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 29, 2 p.m. (202 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu

Mask of Desire is the first feature made with an entirely Nepalese cast and crew. Tsering Thitar Sherpa's film contrasts the gods and ghosts of Nepal's religious tradition with life in modern Kathmandu. When a happy family employs a shaman to ensure the birth of a son, their spiritual and secular lives begin to blur hauntingly into one. This film is being featured as part of the Spiritual Adventures: The Himalayas on Film series. Freer Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 19, 2 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Music from the Himalayas Search for musicians and dancers in the Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure exhibition. Then return to level 1 of the Sackler Gallery to make music on authentic Himalayan msical instruments with world music educator Bill Jenkins and Nepali musician and dancer Bhim Dahal. This event is part of the ImaginAsia program for a children. Sackler classroom, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30, 2 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Chanting Ceremonies The monks of India's Sera Jey Buddhist University inaugurate their three-day residency at the galleries with a 45-minute ceremony of chants devoted to the Medicine Buddha on Oct. 23, followed by ceremonies on Oct. 25 for Chenresig, the bodhisattva of compassion. A concluding ceremony for Tara, the female Buddha invoked to overcome fear and obstacles. Level I, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 23, 10 a.m. and Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Empowerment through Textiles Meet one of the pioneering founders of Kala Raksha, a grassroots organizationof women embroiderers in Gujarat, India. Judy Frater, anthropologist and former associate at the Textile Museum discusses embroidered textiles and the empowerment of local artisans in a global economy. Meyer Auditorium, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 23, 1 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Embroidered Textiles: Shop for a variety of unique, handmade embroidered textiles and help support Kala Raksha, a co-op for women embroiderers in Gujarat, India. Freer conference room, Freer Gallery of Art, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 23-25,10 a.m.-5 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Black Narcissus High in the Himalayas, a group of Anglican nuns try to turn a former sultan's palace into a convent while resisting the scorn of the locals and temptation in the form of a carefree Englishman. This film is being featured as part of the Spiritual Adventures: The Himalayas on Film series. Freer Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 24, 7 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Tibetan Arts Demonstration featuring butter sculpturing, thangka painting, Tibetan Buddhist debate, and printing on prayer flags. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 24 and 25. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Himalayan Dances Enjoy four dances from Nepalese and Tibetan culture. Representing Tibet, the monks of the Sera Jey Monastery perform dances of the yak, the camel of the Himalayas, and the snow lion, the symbol of an enlightened mind and of Tibetan identity. Representing Nepal, dancer Bhim Dahal performs the masked dance Lakhe, depicting the king of hte demons, as well as the legend of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom who cleared the Kathmandu Valley with a single swipe of his sword. Freer steps (rain location: Meyer Auditorium), Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Arousing the Goddess: Sex and Love in the Buddhist Ruins of India, a book by Tim Ward, is the subject of a discussion with the author on this metaphysical and intimate love story along the tantric path. A book signing follows. Freer conference room, Freer Gallery of Art, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Oct. 29, 7 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Music Festival featuring classical music talent from India, China and Ireland. The event includes a violin duet by T.N. Krishnan (Karnatik violin) and N. Rajam (Hindustani violin), both well-known and acclaimed musicians from South India. Presented by Namaskaar Foundation. Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library Auditorium, 101 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Nov. 1. $25. (203) 322-9862. www.worldonstage.org. world@worldonstage.org.

Bollywood Music Awards is an event honoring the year?s best and most popular music and musicians, and awarding winners in Bollywood, bhangra, and the Indi-pop music scene. Mark G. Etess Arena, Trump Taj Mahal Casino, New Jersey. Nov. 1. (516) 248-8777. www.bollywoodmusicawards.com. Bollyaward@aol.com.

The Horse Thief Set in Tibet's frontier, Tian Zhuang-zhuang's nearly wordless cinematic poem about a horse thief expelled from his clan in a gorgeous visual spectacle of landscape and color steeped in Buddhist tradition and mysticism. This film is being featured as part of the Spiritual Adventures: The Himalayas on Film series. Freer Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Nov. 2, 2 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Operation Monsoon Shona Ramaya?s collection of short stories offers an India where Hindu epics are broadcast as soap operas and kidney donations have supplanted reincarnation. Ramaya?s stories relate cultural experiences that embody life in a globalized India. Blacksmith House, 45 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. Nov. 3, 7 p.m. webpages.charter.net/shonaramaya/booktour.html. shonaramaya@yahoo.com.

Cosmopolitan a film by Nisha Ganatra, starring Roshan Seth, Carol Kane, Madhur Jaffrey, Purva Bedi is being screened at the opening night of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Walter Reade Theatre, Lincoln Center, NYC. Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Bhavum a film by Satish Menon, starring Mita Vasisht, Murali Menon, Jyothirmayee, Siddique, Koottatakulam Leela is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 6, 6 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Dance Like a Man by Pamela Rooks, starring Shobana, Arif Zakaria, Anoushka Shankar, Samir Soni, Mohan Agashe is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 6, 9 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Kundun This beautiful, meditative film by Martin Scorsese portrays the life of the 14th Dalai Lama as he grows from spoiled cildinto holy man. This film is being featured as part of the Spiritual Adventures: The Himalayas on Film series. Freer Gallery, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Nov. 7, 7 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Indian Fish in American Waters Manish Gupta, starring Raj Vasudeva, Shweta Malhotra, Saumya Kumar Bhatnagar, Puja Lalmani, Elma Kumbaro, Gaurav Rawal. is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 7, 6 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost by Apoorva Lakhia, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Lara Dutta is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 7, 9 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Short Films including Sabrina Dhawan?s Saanjh starring Nandita Das; Sharat Raju?s American Made starring Sakina Jaffrey, Bernard White, Kal Penn, Te-Amir Sweeney, Haskell Anderson; Abhay Chopra?s Reflections; Jaya Jayaraja?s Deeper Mark starring Suneet Bharati, Gino Montesinos, Michael Kehoe, Lee Schall, Shawn Berry and Richard Joel; Amisha Upadhyaya?s Imperfections starring Maya Israel, Sanjay Chandani; and Keshni Kashyap?s Hole starring Lina Patel; are being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 8, 12 Noon. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Laughing Club of India and India Cabaret by Mira Nair are being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 8, 3 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

American Addiction by Vishal Shah, starring Vishal Shah, Rita Rani Ahuja, Mitesh Patel, Artee Patel, Sanjay Manu, Fabiola Francesca Tera, is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 8, 6 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Trade Offs by Vikram Yashpal starring Deypika Singh, Rahul Malholtra, Rita Rani, Anup Sugunan, Asit Goel, L.J. Wayne, is being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 8, 9 p.m. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Genius by Babar Ahmed, starring Kelly Walters, Diogerlin Linares; Sur starring Lucky Ali, Gauri Karnik, Simone Singh, Achint Kaur, Divya Dutta; and Teen Deewarein by Nagesh Kukunoor starring Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Nagesh Kukunoor, Juhi Chawla, are being screened as part of the Indian Diaspora Film Festival, featuring South Asian films revolving around the theme of the Indian diaspora. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion between the filmmaker and a moderator, as well as a Q&A with the audience. Organized by Indo-American Arts Council. Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue (at 2nd Street), NYC. Nov. 9, at 12 Noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. respectively. (212) 529 2347. www.iaac.us.

Operation Monsoon book tour. Shona Ramaya?s collection of short stories offers an India where Hindu epics are broadcast as soap operas and kidney donations have supplanted reincarnation. Ramaya?s stories relate cultural experiences that embody life in a globalized India. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. Nov. 13, 4 p.m. webpages.charter.net/shonaramaya/booktour.html. shonaramaya@yahoo.com.

Bhajan Sopori Santoor Travel to the western Himalayas with the sounds of the Kashmiri santoor. Bhajan Sopori has redesigned the instrument to triple its range, and his recital, accompanied by his son on santoor, includes Hindustani classical music, Kashmiri folk melodies, and the rarely heard Sufi music of Kashmir. Meyer Auditorium, Independence Ave. at 12th St. SW, Washington D.C. Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.

Indo-American Literary Academy meets on the first Sunday of each month to read poetry or prose on Indian American interests in any Indian language or English. Organized by Chandrakant Desai. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 869 Route 1 South, North Brunswick, NJ. 3-5 p.m. (732) 545-7860.

Sculptures of South and South East Asia is an exhibition of a group of 10th- to 13th-century Cambodian stone sculptures complementing a display of Hindu stone, bronze, brass, and terra-cotta sculptures from South India dating from the 8th through the 14th century. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW), Washington DC. Exhibition continuing indefinitely. (202) 357-2700. www.asia.si.edu.net.

Bharti Kirchner reads from her new novel Pastries. Village Books in Bellingham, WA. Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. (360) 671-2573.

Loyalty: Highest Law of Spiritual Success, is the subject of a lecture. Organized by Self-Realization Fellowship. Self-Realization Fellowship Phoenix Temple, 6111 North Central Ave., Phoenix. Oct. 5. (602) 279-6140 www.yogananda-srf.org.

What is Truth? is the subject of a lecture. Organized by Self-Realization Fellowship. Self-Realization Fellowship Phoenix Temple, 6111 North Central Ave., Phoenix. Oct. 12. (602) 279-6140 www.yogananda-srf.org.

Ways to Conquer Fear is the subject of a lecture. Organized by Self-Realization Fellowship. Self-Realization Fellowship Phoenix Temple, 6111 North Central Ave., Phoenix. Oct. 19. (602) 279-6140 www.yogananda-srf.org.

What is the Soul? is the suject of a lecture. Organized by Self-Realization Fellowship. Self-Realization Fellowship Phoenix Temple, 6111 North Central Ave., Phoenix. Oct. 26. (602) 279-6140 www.yogananda-srf.org.

Bharti Kirchner reads from her new novel Pastries. Reader's Oasis,Tucson. Nov. 16, 2 p.m. (520) 319-7887.

Kaash featuring choreography and artistic direction by Akram Khan, and music by Nitin Sawhney. Presented by UApresents at the University of Arizona. Centennial Hall, The University of Arizona, 1020 E. University Blvd., Tucson. Oct. 4, 8 p.m. (520) 621-3341.

Percussion with Mandolin Concert featuring Abhijit Banerjee (tabla and pakhwaj), Somnath Roy (ghatam and kanjira), Rajashekar (morsing), Snehashish Majumdar (mandolin). Organized by India Classical Music Society. Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, 11 South 80, Route 83, Hinsdale, IL. Oct. 4, 4 p.m. $15 general, $8 students and seniors.(708) 798-2025, (630) 922-3107. www.icmschicago.org.

Sitar Concert featuring Shahid Parvez (sitar) and Akram Khan (tabla). Organized by India Classical Music Society. Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, 11 South 80, Route 83, Hinsdale, IL. Oct. 11. $15 general, $8 students and seniors.(708) 798-2025, (630) 922-3107. www.icmschicago.org.

Ayurveda in America Today is the subject of an ayurvedic conference featuring professional forums in ayurveda, for all levels of participants. The conference features Vasant Lad, John Douillard, David Frawley, Swamini Mayatitananda, Ram Karan Sharma, and many other healthcare professionals. Organized by National Ayurvedic Medical Association. TradeWinds Sirata Beach Resort, St. Petersburg Beach, FL. Oct. 16-19. (800) 815-6887. www.ayurveda-nama.org.

Bharti Kirchner reads from her new novel Pastries. Miami International Book Fair, Miami. Nov. 8-10. www.miamibookfair.com.

Meditation Retreat Learn how the practice of meditation can help to increase your concentration, and meet life?s challenges more effectively. Greensboro, NC venue. Nov. 8, $95. Also Nov. 7-9, $295. (800) 475-2369. info@nilgiri.org. www.nilgiri.org.

Kabir In Song features folk songs from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India, performed by Prahlad Singh Tipanya and party, and classical bhajans performed by Krishna Kant Shukla. Limited seating. Please RSVP. Presented by Stanford?s Asian Religions & Cultures (ARC) Initiative. Campbell Recital Hall, Braun Music Center, Stanford. Oct. 5, 2-4 p.m. Also on Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m. at Stephens Terrace via 10 Stephens Hall, UC Berkeley. Free. (650) 725-6025. www.stanford.edu/group/scbs/. winchin@stanford.edu.

Mystique is a unique musical presentation of world music, based on Indian classical music, and written, composed, and conducted by Habib Khan. The first half of the program features a world music orchestra with 40 musicians including sitarists, vocalists, violin, guitar, saxophone, tabla, Western drums, and Japanese Taiko drums. An Indian jazz ensemble follows, featuring jazz musicians Mathew Montfort (guitar), Peter Block (saxophone), Pattie Weiss (violin), Rick Alegria (Western drums), Jimmi Nakagawa (Japanese Taeko drums), Satish Tare (tabla), and Habib Khan (sitar). Habib Khan will also present a solo sitar recital accompanied by Swapan Chaudhuri (tabla). This event is presented as part of the Performing Arts Series funded by the City of San Jose to help non-profit arts groups build the capacity to produce successful shows in mid-size theaters. Presented by Habib Khan Saraswati Temple. Montgomery Theatre, 291 South Market St., San Jose. Oct. 11, 7 p.m. (408) 996-2446, (408) 528-0786, (650) 255-9752. www.habibkhan.net, www.habibkhan.com.