Category Archives: Culture

Community, Culture, Social Get-together

SanGaMa Xmas- New Year Dinner/ Celebration -Sat, Dec 16th

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Join our End-of-the-Year Celebration!
We invite you to join our GRAND Christmas-New Year  dinner party, with family & friends, on Saturday Dec 16th, 2023, evening!
Have fun and celebrate your 2023 Christmas to the accompaniment of carols, dance, songs, music, Santa, and more !!
Tickets are Live now! Please do grab them before they are gone!
Date: Saturday, Dec 16th, 4pm -9pm
Venue: Danville Community Center, 420 Front St, Danville
Books, Culture, Education, Health

New book “Hindu Surgery and Sushruta” by local author

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San Francisco Bay area local author Swati Mhaiskar has recently published a new book “Hindu Surgery and Sushruta” after extensive research. At the same time, she has succeeded in making this subject interesting and appealing to students and parents, children and adults alike.
Discover who Sushruta was and how his innovations traveled across the world. Know how Europe, the Middle East, and China learnt about Sushruta’s surgery innovations. See the photos of surgical instruments designed by Sushruta in this colorful book.
Gain the wealth of knowledge presented in a very attractive, easy to understand, and exciting way !
Go back in history to see what the impacts of the foreign invasions of India were on Ayurveda and Hindu education. This picture filled book is a gateway to the great scientific accomplishments of Ancient India.
The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble. Paperback and Hard cover both.
https://www.amazon.com/Hindu-Surgery-Sushruta-Swati-Mhaiskar/dp/B0CFV12ZXG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hindu+surgery&sr=8-1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143938920?ean=9798988537205

Classical Dance, Culture, Training

Odissi dance class at Dublin, Pleasanton, Mountain house

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Nrityatara School Of Odissi Dance’s new session (In-person and Virtual) starting from September. Age group- 4+ onward. Adults most welcome. State and international programs line up for 2023-24. you will get lot of opportunity to show case your talent. Join the team to make a difference in your life .  you can appear yearly exam and pass the level to graduate through our exam center. Our center is affiliated with the prestigious ,premier Organization Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh, India. don’t miss the chance. for registration email us.

Culture, Deals, DJs and MCs, Events, Food, Local Businesses, Uncategorized

Mexican Independence Day at San Francisco Premium Outlets

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Bay Area locals are invited to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with San Francisco Premium Outlets on Saturday, Sept. 16 between 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Experience a series of fun activities between Bloomingdale’s and Old Navy:

Mariachi Estelar: Enjoy authentic Mexican music with performances from mariachi band Mariachi Estelar.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Bring the family down to find the hidden pinatas* and get creative with some arts and crafts.
Special Deals and Giveaways: Take advantage of can’t miss deals and giveaways from Aeropostale, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger and more or be a lucky winner of special giveaways including festive maracas, flags and treats.
Get Festive: Show us your Mexican Independence Day spirit, and the most festive shoppers will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Simon Gift Card.
Delicious Food: Satisfy your mexican food cravings with a variety of culinary flavors from Food Truck Mafia and other local food vendors

*“Spot the Piñata!” Social Media Giveaway: Spot any of our 8 mini pinatas scattered around the property, snap as selfie and tag Instagram account @sfpremiumoutlets with hashtag #SFPOFiesta for a chance to win (1) $200 Simon Gift Card

Community, Culture

ONAM Celebration on Saturday, Sept 16th 2023 at Pleasanton

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Grand ONAM Vegetarian Sadhya with 21 items
Check out details of tickets and stage program submissions here: https://www.sangama.us/
We cordially invite you to join our grand, 21-item Ona-Sadya
with family & friends on Sunday, September 16th, 2023, at Pleasanton!
Celebrate your 2023 Onam to the accompaniment of Thiruvathira dance, Maveli, Pookkalam, Sadya songs, music, and more !!

Culture, Events

Vishu Celebration – Sunday, April 23rd

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SanGaMa GRAND Vishu Celebration! – Sun, April 23rd
https://www.sangama.us/
Location:  San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA
(Vishu marks the beginning of the New Year in the Malayalam calendar. Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam ( Sun’s transit into Aries in Indian astrology) and is on the same day of Vaisakhi, Tamil Pongal, Assamese Ronagali Bihu, and Bengali Naba Barsha.)

Bollywood Music, Classical Music, Community, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Local Pulse, Networking, Social Get-together

Meetup – Urdu Punjabi Nazm Qawwali Ghazal

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Urdu Punjabi Nazm Qawwali Ghazal
Very interested in meeting people interested in reading,  discussing, quoting, and singing Urdu or Punjabi Nazm, Qawwali, Sufiana kalaam, Mazahiya, etc. Think Urdu and Punjabi Kalaams by Waris Shah, Bulleh Shah,  and more modern Mazahiyas like Khalid Masood Khan’s. I live in Dublin CA and would love to have a regular Mushaira with others who are interested. Very casual, social mushairas with food and drink – with a focus on Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi kalaams. If interested in these feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Culture, Events

Christmas-New Year Dinner on Sunday, Dec 18th evening

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SanGaMa- The Bay Area Kerala group is planning to celebrate Christmas-New-Year celebration/Dinner party on Sunday, Dec 18th evening. Please check the details/menu/buy tickets at https://www.sangama.us/, if you are interested to join the fun and interact with like-minded local families!

If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the event, please
let us know.
Thank you,
Vijay
https://www.sangama.us/
Ph: 925 264 9148 or
Ph: [email protected]

Culture, Festivals, Networking

ONAM Celebration on Sunday, Sept 18th 2022 at Pleasanton

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Bay area Kerala group, SanGaMa, is planning to celebrate the upcoming ONAM  festival on Sunday, September 18th at  Pleasanton
The details are here: https://www.sangama.us/
So, if you have moved recently to the neighborhood and/or would like to meet/greet local families or would like to participate/register for stage performances, please feel free to join.

We are planning a grand Onam Sadya(Grand Vegetarian feast) with traditional festivities like Pookkalam, Maveli and cultural programs like Thiruvathira dance, kids’ dance songs/music, et al.

In the true spirit of Onam, we encourage and invite anyone interested to join, to be part of this rich and ancient festival!

*Sponsors:* If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the
event, please send a note to [email protected]

Best Regards,Onam
Vijay
[email protected]

Culture, Festivals

SanGaMa GRAND Vishu Celebration! – Sat, April 16th

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SanGaMa GRAND Vishu Celebration! – Sat, April 16th
https://www.sangama.us/
Buy Tickets, Register for stage performances, Volunteer!
Time to take off masks and meet/greet in-person!
Location:  San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon, CA
(Vishu marks the beginning of the New Year in the Malayalam calendar. Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam ( Sun’s transit into Aries in Indian astrology) and is on the same day of Vaisakhi, Tamil Pongal, Assamese Ronagali Bihu, and Bengali Naba Barsha.)

Camps, Classical Dance, Culture, Online Classes, Training

Virtual Kathak Dance Workshop over Summers

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A wonderful opportunity for young aspirants to be introduced to the Indian Classical Dance form. Girls and boys between ages 7-12
An exciting way to explore and learn a new art form!!
10 Day Foundation Course Starting from 15th June, 2021. This is a Virtual Workshop and will be conducted on Zoom. For details contact on:+91 9879116828 Email:dhwaniemmanue…@g…com

Contests, Culture, Events, South Bay

Puranava 2020 – Children’s Indian Heritage Fest V

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Puranava – A Children’s Indian Heritage Fest is organized by Global Organization for Divinity every year in Bay area.
The purpose of Puranava is to kindle the interest and develop an appreciation for the timeless treasures of Indian heritage in children. As part of this, there are many fun-filled, creative competitions for children of all age groups and also many booths in line with Indian traditional games and other activities for both kids and adults.
Youth Competitions – This year we have the following competitions for kids and youth.
Art – PreK to high school
India Quiz – 2nd to 8th grade
Reference material is given in the website.
Story Telling – KG to 5th grade.
Creative Writing – Grade 3 onwards
Heritage Fancy Dress  – PreK to 2nd grade
Public Speaking – Grade 6 onwards
For details, visit http://puranava-usa.org/milpitas2020
Early bird registrations open until Mar 15

Culture, Events, Out-of-Area Events, Sale Shows, Tickets

Ashrutam – The Unheard Voice – An Indian Dance production

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Ashrutam – The Unheard Voice is an Indian Dance-Theater production that honors and recognizes the contribution of Devadasis to Indian performing arts. Devadasis were a matriarchal community of women who were not only instrumental in cultivating and propagating arts through  the  generations,  but they were also fiercely independent  women who challenged the norms of the  patriarchal society. Ashrutam shares my interpretation of their voice and a narrative of their life.
Nov 1 – Nov 3, ODC Theater, San Francisco
Link to tickets 
Watch the Ashrutam Promotional video

Community, Culture, Education, Slokas Education

GopaKuteeram – Sloka and Indian cultural Classes

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Gopa Kuteeram is a Indian cultural and moral education class for children that happens every week in Pleasanton. This program runs through out the academic year. We teach slokas,bhajans, sanskrit language,stories from the puranas and life of great saints and provide activities in connection to these stories and lessons.
Classes conducted in Pleasanton on Mondays. Batch 1: 6 to 7, Batch 2: 620 to 7:20. Further details regarding these classes can be found in the flyer above.

Culture, Entertainment, Events

Laser Dandiya at Windermere Ranch Middle school Oct 12

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Laser Dandiya and Bollywood Night at Windermere Ranch Middle school by DJ Vish.
Awards for Best Dressed and Best Dancer
Early bird tickets: Adults $20; Kids (Age 5-10) : $15 ; Kids under 5 : FREE
Not stop Bollywood Beats
Dandiya sticks for sale. Apparel 81 Jewelry Stalls Subsidized food and drinks
Saturday, October 12th, 2019 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Windemere Ranch Middle School MPR, San Ramon
Sponsorships & Tickets: Giri (201) 606-3949 Priyanka (408) 204-8329 Registration link: www.spandana.org/dandiya2019.html

Community, Culture, Events

Bharathanatyam Dance Program at HCCC Livermore on Aug 18th

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Namaste All –
Smt, Radhika Dinesh, Artistic director of Alarippu Dance school will presenting a dance program at HCCC’s Lakireddy Hall on August 18th  2019 at 5 PM with a live orchestra lead by Bharathanatyam exponent Sri.Madurai Muralidharan from Chennai on Nattuvangam.  Radhika is an accomplished dancer, winner of the prestigious Balasaraswathi award and one of the senior most disciple of Smt. Mythili Kumar of Abhinaya Dance company.

Culture, Events

Samyukta – an Ode to Odissi Sacred Temple Dance Aug 18

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Dear friends, We are thrilled to invite you to attend our school recital Samyukta – an Ode to Odissi Sacred Temple Dance. Both Guruji and students of Odissi Vilas will be performing, and we are honored to have guest musicians from Odisha, India to accompany us on this special event (http://odissimusic.org/). Please come and join us for a memorable afternoon of dance and live music! Tickets are available at: https://odissivilas2019.brownpapertickets.com/ Free admission for children under 6. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/chabot-college-performing-arts-center/samyukta-an-ode-to-odissi-sacred-temple-dance/680378412418031/
Guru Vishnu Tattva Das presents -Performances by Guru Vishnu Tattva Das and students of Odissi Vilas, accompanied by live music.
Aug 18, 2019 Sunday at 4 PM, Chabot Performing Arts Center

About Livermore, Community, Culture, Events, Out-of-Area Events, South Bay, Tricity

HCCC participation in the Rodeo Parade on Jun 8th, 2019

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Livermore temple has been participating, since 2013, in the annual Rodeo parade of the City of Livermore. Our volunteers decorate a truck with posters & banners of our culture & HS activities and display it as float / tableau for the parade.
Attend in Large Numbers – Dress in traditional Indian attire, Join HCCC Float, play music & dance along the parade cheering the audience along the way.
More details @ http://www.elivermore.com/rodeoparade.htm
Where : Livermore City Downtown – 2nd Street
Theme : Culture, Harmony and Diversity
When : June 8th, 2019 @ 9AM
Attire: Traditional Indian
What to bring: Drums and Any Musical Instruments to play along the parade route.

Community, Culture, Life Coaching, Networking, Public Interest, Religion, Spiritual, Yoga

Interest in Vedanta in Tri Valley?

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Is the community interested in Vedanta inspired talk series conducted by an Advait Vedanta monk / Swami from Shri Ramakrishna Order on monthly basis in Danville / San Ramon?Potential schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8pm, & Saturday 11am, but not finalized.
Topic is open to requests & follow Q&A with Swami:
General Spirituality
Emotional Intelligence
Bhagwad Gita
Upanishads
Yogasutra
Karma
While Vedanta scriptures may be tagged “Hindu,” they’re not in conflict with any organized religions & don’t seek to propagate religions. Vedanta teachings are based on universal unity that go beyond & inclusive of organized religions as well as incorporate ideas & scientific conclusions from neuroscience, western philosophy, & psychology etc.. Vedanta compassionately acknowledges inquiring curious minds.Please email at jnnai…@g…com if interested. Please spread the word in your network & have anyone who may be interested email me.** Check out https://vedanta.org/what-is-vedanta/ OR https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanta to learn more about Vedanta.** Visit http://theberkeleyvedanta.org/our-origin to learn about Shri Ramakrishna Order and the monk leading the Tri Valley talk series.

Community, Culture, Festivals, Holi

Holi Milan Mela at Livermore sponsored by HCCC

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We invite you to register and join us for Holi celebrations at Croce School, Scenic Ave, Livermore on March 23, 2019 from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Holi is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and a celebration of the arrival of spring. It’s the festival of colors and happiness – a free-for-all carnival of colors, where participants play, chase and color each other with dry color powder.

  • Colors
  • DJ and Music and Dancing
  • Games
  • Other stalls
  • And of course, Food

You can also register directly @ https://www.livermoretemple.org/hints/content/asp/eventRegistrations.asp
or email hol…@l…com with headcount and age. for Registration Flyer can be found:
Holi Milan Mela (Festival of colors)

Community, Culture, Social Get-together

Christmas -New Year (’19) Celebration on Sat, Dec 15th

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SanGaMa- The Bay Area Kerala group is planning to  celebrate Christmas-New-Year celebration/dinner on Saturday, Dec 15th evening in San Ramon. Please send a note if you are interested to join the fun and interact with local families!
We encourage anyone interested to join and participate in our programs.  Check out the details at our website  http://www.sangama.us/
If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the event, please let us know.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2018!
Vijay Valliyil
sangamau…@g…com

Community, Culture, Disaster Relief, Public Interest

HCCC – Flood Relief support in Karnataka and Kerala

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HCCC is proud to present an afternoon of Finest South Indian Classical Music Featuring
Date: September 22 2018, 4-7 PM, LAKIREDDY Auditorium
Suggested Donation: $15
Sponsorship of $100 for 2 reserved seats
For Sponsorship information Contact:
Rajagopal Kowligi 925-337-2622 or temple office at 925-449-6255
Net proceeds will be donated to organizations helping
with Flood Relief support in Karnataka and Kerala
Mysore Nagaraj Violin
Dr. Mysore Manjunath on Violin
Patri Satish Kumar on Mridangam
HCCC – Flood Relief support in Karnataka and Keralahttps://www.livermoretemple.org/hints/content/html/2018/concert-sep.pdfconcert-sep

Community, Culture, Dandiya Dance, Events, Out-of-Area Events

UPMA Dandiya Dhamaka – For a great cause

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give a gift of education to underprivileged kids.
$$ value of one ticket gives you a fun filled evening at best and biggest venue SanJose convention center and pays for early education of one underprivileged kid including all supplies for one full month.
GOD has gifted us, now its our turn to hold hand and help these kids to walk into a better life.
Please share with your friends & Family, come and dance with PREETYSHA & SAMEER
Look forward to seeing you all Desis in Bay Area on OCTOBER 13th @ San Jose Convention Center
USE CODE ‘Manju’ to avail special friends & family discount of $5/ticket

Classical Music, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Training

Celebrating the Tradition – Hindustani Classical Music

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Come join us for an enchanting evening of Hindustani Classical music by Pt. Dr. Nagaraj Rao Havaldar and Shri. Omkarnath Havaldar, inheritors of the rich musical traditions of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi of Kirana Gharana and Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur of Jaipur Gharana. Save the date- August 25 2018 @4:30pm, at the Nagaraj residence (6436 Paseo Santa Cruz, Pleasanton). Please RSVP: [email protected] or +1-847-271-6001

Back to Roots, Community, Culture, Social Get-together

ONAM Celebration on Saturday, Sept 8th 2018

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Bay area Kerala group, SanGaMa, is planning to celebrate the upcoming ONAM festival on Saturday, September 8th at Livermore.
The details are here: http://www.sangama.us/
So, if you have moved recently to the neighborhood, and would like to meet/greet local families or would like to participate/register for stage performances, feel free to join. This is a great opportunity.
We are planning a grand Onam feast (Grand Vegetarian lunch) with traditional festivities like Pookkalam, Maveli and cultural programs like Thiruvathira dance, kids’ dance songs/music, et al.
As part of our cultural outreach, we encourage anyone interested to join, to be part of this rich and ancient festival!
To know more about Onam, please check out here:
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onam>
*Sponsors:* If you are a local business interested in sponsoring the
event, please send a note.
Best Regards,
Bindu
sangamau…@g…com
http://www.sangama.us/

Culture, Entertainment, Events

Malayalam Theatrical Perunthachan in Bay Area

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After the successful staging of popular Kattukuthira on multiple locations around the country, Sargavedi presents the intriguing story of Perunthachan and his prodigious son  as a gripping Malayalam drama.
As usual,  Perunthachan is  acted and produced by talents from our local community. Please show your support by reserving your tickets in advance, and, encourage your friends and families to attend the inaugural staging of Perunthachan in Bay Area.
Date: September 16th, 2018 (Sunday). Time: 5:00pm
Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545.
Admission: $75 (VVIP), $40 (VIP), $20 (General).
Kids 5 years and below are admitted free with no seat.
Please visit http://sargavedi.org for details and purchasing tickets.
Part of the proceeds from staging of this drama would benefit Mr. K.V. Antony, a well-known stage actor in the professional Malayalam drama scene.  The 67 year old actor from Vypin, Ernakulam appeared on more than 500 stages and he is a recipient  of the state award for his role as Ekalavyan in Kazhimbram Vijayan’s “Ambara”. But he hit hard times later in his life and now struggles to make ends meet.
Sagavedi Team

Camps, Culture, Hindi Language

Jano India Summer Camps San Ramon 7/9-20 in Quail Run Elem

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After 10 Years of overwhelming success, US Hindi Foundation is excited to bring to you: Camp Jano India 2018
June 11 – July 20 in Palo Alto &
June 11 – Aug 10 in Santa Clara &
July 9-  July 20 in San Ramon
Enroll for 1 or both camps. Registration is now OPEN. Please visit www.JanoIndia.org Sibling Discounts, Multiple Camp Discounts!
Ages 5 – 13 / 9:30am – 4:00pm
Pre care  8 – 9:15 / Post care 4:15 – 6:00
Dropoff  9:15 – 9:30am  /  Pickup  4:00 – 4:15pm
Themes in San Ramon: I Love India, Celebrate India
Immerse in speaking, understanding, reading & writing Hindi in the mornings .
Activities include theater, hands on projects, slideshows and more.
Each minute the kids will be enthralled to learn new things and explore about India, the culture, land, people, arts, cuisine and more!
Designed especially for children growing up in America from all backgrounds.
Guaranteed fun & learning at the best price.
A truly unforgettable and memorable summer experience!
If you are a high school student looking to get volunteer hours, this is a great opportunity to get experience working with kids. Please email us at voluntee…@e…com

Community, Culture, Festivals, Holi, Social Get-together

SEF Holi – March 31, 2018, Alameda County Fairgrounds

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giftofvision.org/events
Do good and have fun with colors!

SEF is happy to bring another colorful Holi in the East Bay at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 31st, 2018. The festival is kid friendly, has a super DJ with great music, will have food for purchase and lots of colors, including one free packet with admission. Please bring friends and family to support the event.
Saturday, March 31st, 11AM – 3PM
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Tickets : $15
Link to Tickets: http://www. giftofvision.org/events
SEF is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, with a mission to eradicate curable blindness in India. We currently have nine fully functional super-specialty eye hospitals providing free eye care to the poor. SEF has performed over 1.5 million free eye surgeries and today, is the largest provider of totally free eye surgeries in India. Please visit us at https://www.giftofvision.org/events/sef-holi-2018pleasanton for more information.