Navratri-related events in the U.S.

[Guest guest]

I was googling around, looking for Navratri activities in the U.S.,

just out of curiousity. My best guess is that most

celebrations/observances in the U.S. are sponsored by local Indian

or Hindu cultural groups and are fairly small and private, and

therefore don't make the news (and hence the web.)

 

But I ran across the following two interesting-looking special

events at the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena, Californa. I

particularly like the fact that one event is for children; that's

especially nice:

 

The Norton Simon Museum

Pasadena, California

http://www.nortonsimon.org/

(see under "Events")

 

Family Program:

Honoring Durga

Saturday, October 15, 2005

2:00 PM

Rangoli Dance Company

The Rangoli Dance Company, a celebrated group of artists committed

to preserving and promoting India's rich heritage of classical

dance, leads this program especially designed for children and

families. During this presentation of dances traditionally performed

in honor of the goddess, visitors participate by clapping as well as

making hand and arm movements. The performance concludes with an

invitation for children to touch costumes, use finger cymbals and

perhaps learn a few steps. Following the performance, Malathi

Iyengar, Artistic Director, leads related visual arts workshops

outside of the special exhibition. Participants will make flower

garlands and create colorful chalk designs on cardboard, reflecting

two ways that Durga Puja is celebrated in India. .

About the Rangoli Dance Company:

http://www.rangoli.org/choreo.htm

 

Lecture:

Encountering Durga and Kali

Friday, October 28, 2005

7:00 PM

Pratapaditya Pal

Ever since I can remember, the goddesses Durga and Kali have been a

major presence in my family. With the help of slides, I will narrate

some of my personal experiences with the worship of the goddesses at

home and abroad and also discuss their concepts and forms in a

historical perspective.

About Pratapaditya Pal

http://www.calcuttaweb.com/nri/Pratapaditya_Pal.shtml