Indian desis in San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore & Danville

Tamil Manram is proud to present an entertaining afternoon of pattimanram by ‘Sivaji’ fame Pattimanram thiru. Raja (on Feb 12).  The title for pattimanram is “திருமண வாழ்வில் அதிகம் விட்டுக் கொடுத்து அனுசரித்துப் போகிறவர் ஆண்களே! பெண்களே!”
The evening promises to be one to laugh, think and join the debate!

If you are interested to participate in the pattimanram here are the rules.
Participant must be a member of Tamil Manram. If you are not a member, you can become a member online.
Prepare a 5 minutes audio or video on the pattimanram topic, either favoring men or women. If you create a video send it as YouTube link. Send the audio clip/video link to JP at fjayp@yahoo.com and Venu venuranga@gmail.com.
Deadline to submit your entry is February 5, 2012.
Once selected, participant must pay $25 participation fee (which includes admission ticket)

Pattimanram
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 P.M.
Quail Run Elementary School
4000 Goldenbay Avenue
San Ramon, CA 94582 [ Map ]
$10 (members); $12 (non-members)
Purchase tickets online

On 29th January, 2012 (Sunday) attend a free workshop on the Spiritual Practice of Chanting at the Dublin Library. The workshop would cover topics like what is Chanting, what name of God should one chant, how should one chant and benefits of Chanting.

• Venue: Dublin Public Library 200 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568
• Language: English
• Date: Sunday, 29 January 2012
• Time: 2.00 PM – 3.30 PM
• Total seats available: 30

This event is being organized by the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF). SSRF’s aim is to “educate society on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our lives. We conduct research and convey knowledge about the spiritual dimension to help people understand it, advise those who are curious to experience it for themselves, and guide those who have intense desire for spiritual growth and God-realisation towards achieving their goal.”

SSRF was founded with the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale. As a Consultant Clinical Hypnotherapist, he had learned that some of his patients with whom he had very little success, had recovered after adopting spiritual remedies such as visiting sacred places, remaining in the holy company of spiritually evolved people (Saints) or performing certain religious rituals. After interacting with Spritual minded people, he concluded that there are spiritual causes behind not just illnesses of patients, but also behind all major events and most problems in life. He worked tirelessly in the field of Spirituality to share with others his research into the understanding of the spiritual dimension using a scientific approach. The believers also believe in their ability to perceive the subtle dimension or the unseen world, or in other words, sixth sense.
The organization is based out of Australia, has very active member base in Europe, and also registered in the USA.
Not sure what brought the workshop to the Dublin (California) Library, but it may be worth attending – even if just to get more exposed to the intriguing concept.
Check out this video on the concept:

The ‘melting pot’ that is America is at no time more evident than during the holiday-season. It reaches the crescendo at Christmas, when, whatever your ethno-religious background, you just don’t want to NOT be a part of all the revelry. What does it then mean for non-Christians, especially as you see yourself doing more for Christmas, than for your own festivals?

Shalaka Gole, a budding student of journalism from California High School in San Ramon lays it out rather nicely in an article posted on December 23, 2011 in San Ramon Patch .

An All-American Christmas, the Hindu Way:
There is nothing like the voices of Dean, Bing, Ella, Frank, and Judy to ring in the holiday season. This year, I started listening to Christmas music on Nov. 28. Our family’s old prelit tree stands decked out in the corner as early as Dec. 4th. And I was planning Christmas presents to my friends before Thanksgiving.

This is all pretty standard American stuff, but I did all this disregarding the fact that I was raised as a Hindu in an Indian house.

I wholly subscribe to the American idea of Christmas, along with my immigrant parents and little brother. We do dress up and cook for Diwali, every year. But Christmas presents are also the norm, decorating the tree is a major event and Santa came for my little brother for 10 years. We have been willingly sucked into the commercialism and culture of the season, and I’m not terribly sorry.

I used to feel guilty about liking Christmas and felt like I was trying to fit myself into an idea of Christianity that I don’t believe in. I wasn’t sure of what it meant for me to love Christmas, a holiday that wasn’t really mine to celebrate.

But I’ve started thinking of Christmas as a culturally American time, where different kinds of people can come together for many different reasons. To some it may rightfully mean the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but to others like me, it means the mood and actions of all those around me.

There is something about the feeling of the holidays that makes the cold air less biting and puts everyone in a better mood. People smile more, sing more, count their blessings, and give to others. At school, I see Jews, Christians, Hindus, and religiously confused teenagers alike talk about how much they love the atmosphere. It’s cliché, but I think the cliché stems from truth.

I think Christmas can be said to embody America, commercialism and a profit-driven mentality mixed in with charity and good feeling, shared by those of all ethnic backgrounds. It has become a holiday anyone can celebrate, and include or leave out the pieces they wish.

This year, I’ll spend Christmas weekend eating a home-cooked Jewish meal, opening presents, listening to Sinatra and sharing with my Jewish, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Christian friends, making it a truly American holiday.

Muthamizh Vizha – Celebration Of Tamil Culture – Literature, Music, Dance and Drama, especially related to ancient art forms is being held in Harvest Park Middle School Pleasanton, CA on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM.

In its continuing tradition, Tamil Manram is proud to present muthamiz vizha with “neeyaa, naanaa” style makkaL vivaatha arangam (மக்கள் விவாத அரங்கம்), skit and other entertainment events with literary value.
The title for makkaL vivaatha arangam is குழந்தைகளை வளர்ப்பதில் முக்கியப் பங்கு வகிப்பது – தாயா? தந்தையா?
If you are interested in participating in makkaL vivaatha arangam, please contact Sridharan Minor, VP Cultural at tamilcholai@gmail.com.

• Muthamiz Vizha
• Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM
• Harvest Park Middle School - 4900 Valley Ave Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Free for Tamil Manram members.

Tamil Manram is committed to the growth of Tamil cultural activities in the bay area. Tamil Manram regularly conducts Children’s events and encourages our children to learn Tamil language and Tamil culture.

SEF Dandiya will be organized on Oct 15, 2011 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton featuring Dhol Baaje Entertainment, like last year. Tickets are $15 – and recommended to be purchased in advance as they WILL be sold out on the day (at actually any dandiya event). This is your only other chance to attend garbha this year in the Tri Valley, other than one Organized by Windemere Friends

• Free garba/dandia lessons available from 6:00-7:00pm on the event day for those who have purchased the tickets.
• Contact sefdandia@gmail.com
•  Free Parking
• Complimentary checkin of dandia sticks while you enjoy Garba
• Free entrance for Kids age 5 and below
• Special Dancing Area for Kids for Extra Safety

SEF Dandiya Pleasanton 2010

Other SEF Events at Sept 24, Oct 1 and 4 in Santa Clara.

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OTHER BAY AREA DANDIYA EVENTS:
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Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring Dr. Sharvari Dixit
Saturday, Sep 24 7:30p to 11:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring bay area’s most popular Garba/Dandiya DJ Dr. Sharvari Dixit and troupe. Make it an extra special Navratri celebrations for you and your family at the spacious and convenient venue in East Bay.
Tickets www.sulekha.com/induz
Child care facility, ample parking, food, dandiya sticks etc will be available.
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lap once, clap twice, clap three times…and you’re almost there!
Garba is THAT easy! This TWO HOUR workshop will teach you the basic hand and feet coordination to get YOU on the dance floor this Navratri season!
Get a head start and join us in the Garba & Raas workshop on:
- Sunday, September 18th from 1PM to 3PM in San Jose, OR
- Sunday, September 25th from 1PM to 3PM in Milpitas
Register: sapnaydance@gmail.com
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Gujarati Cultural Association Upcoming Events – Navratri Garba/Dandia
Date: September 25 & 30
October 1,7 & 8th
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Small Steps Foundation Diwali Dandia Nite 2011 – Oct 8th
Saturday, Oct 8 7:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
SSF Dandia Nite 2011 in Fremont!
Most kids friendly dandia – Local Center will manage the kids corner with beautiful, craft, fun and brain bending activities, when they are tired from dancing. Biggest in Fremont with electrifying Bollywood music by Dimple Patel.Buy your tickets at sulekha.com or from the other store ticket outlets.

After last year’s overwhelming success, once again“Windemere Friends”- a neighborhood group of Indo American families is organizing “Dandiya for Education 2011″. 100% profits go to neighborhood schools!

• When: Oct 1, 2011 – 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
• Where: Windemere Ranch Middle School (Gym)
• 11611 East Branch Pkwy, San Ramon, CA

Tickets: $12 each, $15 at the door (if there’s any left)(Kids 5 yrs & under free)

Contact: NewWindemereFriends@gmail.com

The Band: “Aseem and Madhvi”. The Bay Area’s most famous group for singing Dandiya. They have been performing in the Bay Area for more than 15 years!

• Free dandiya training 7 – 7:30 PM
• Popular Indian food served by Indian Restaurant
• Dandiya will be available for purchase

So get your Indian outfits ready for the fun filled evening with family, friends and neighbors!
Come and relish a variety of Indian- food  and the bay-area’s best live Dandiya-music to go with it !!

Dandia or Raas and Garba, is a traditional dance popular in Western India. In India, this celebration occurs during the fall festival of Navratri (Nav-raa-tree). Dandiya is a dance with short sticks that promotes slow calorie burning. Many folks have tried Dandiya and enjoyed it. We will have a special training session from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM for all newcomers.
Windemere Friends - We are a group of concerned citizens that want to make a difference in our community. We have started this in August 2010 with the aim of organizing activities that we like right here in San Ramon while raising funds for the schools.
The group is 100% volunteer based with no administrative costs.

Join the Tri Valley, and even wider community, in celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna (Janmashtmi) this year. The Krishna Janmashtami Celebration will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2011

Event Schedule – Sunday August 21st 2011

• 11:00 AM Lord Sri Krishna Utsava Murthi Abhishekam
• 12:00 Noon Archana, Theertha Prasadam
• 12:30 PM Geetha Parayanam
• 3:00 PM Sri Krishna Sankeerthana
• 5:00 PM Utsavam
• 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Geeta Recital
• 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Bhajans by Ushma Vahia and Group
• 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Bhajans by Mino Puri and Vikas Singh
• 11:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Sri Krishna Janamkal Puja – Aarti, Prasadam
• 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Children’s’ Program on Krishna Leela

Dinner will be served in the Assembly Hall from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Hindu Community and Cultural Center
1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94551

Enjoy this Sunday (July 17, 2011)  afternoon listening to a free classical music performance followed by Bharathanatyam dance by local talents:

• Vocal concert by Ananya Ashok Disciple of Anuradha Sridhar, Artistic Director Trinity Center for Music
• Grand Bharathanatyam Recital by Shri Krupa Dance Company (Artistic Director: Vishal Ramani )

Location is Livermore Temple Assembly Hall at 1:30 PM.
Admission is Free.

The event is organized by Hindu Community and Cultural Center.

The Punjab Heritage Society, a local cultural organization for the past several years, is looking for some energetic and passionate people to take on a leadership role for the coming years.   The Punjab Heritage Society has successfully put on an annual Baisakhi show in Pleasanton to showcase the talents of our local children.   The current leadership team would like to bring in new people into the group, especially those with young children.

If you are interested in becoming one of the new leaders or would just like to get more information, please contact Harinder at harinder66@hotmail.com.

 

Free sumptuous food, and entry. Where else could it be, but in a Punjabi cultural event. One of the handful of such events – the 8th Annual Diversity Spring Festival will be held on Saturday May 14 2011 at the Todos Santos Park Plaza in downtown Concord (the corner of Willow Pass and Grant Street) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) festival is sponsored by the Therapeutic Residential Services, and the Federation of Indo-American Association of Northern California. The event is presented by South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation – SABH CENTER which is a Non-Profit California agency providing residential & mental health services to mentally & developmentally disabled, new immigrants & seniors.
Every year about 5,000 people from all over the Bay Area attend the Concord Baisakhi festival. There are expected to be 50 + booths for clothing, electronics, financial, health and information in 2011. As well, expect Cultural shows by children and artists.
Check last year’s event with pictures here.

Recently a friend attended a three day Art of Meditation course, and another talked about it. And then another one. So looks like Art of Living San Ramon/Pleasanton center is coming of age.

There is a FREE event in the effering. Called “Meditation Marathon”, it will be held on March 5th 2011 at the Art of Living Center for Yoga and Meditation, Tri Valley location 6690 Amador Plaza Road, Suite 215 Dublin (925-5AOL-101). The event begins at 9am and ends at 4:00pm. There will have multiple sessions that will “help you explore your mind and bring you to the peace within”. This event is for beginners as well as seasoned meditators.

Schedule of Events:

SUKSHMA YOGA – ancient yoga that prepares the mind and body for meditation
BREATHING TECHNIQUES – learn techniques and tools to take home to quieten the mind and relax
GUIDED MEDITATIONS – led by world renowned Spiritual leader
VIDEO PRESENTATION – to understand the mechanics of the mind
CHANTING – Chanting meditation

Participants should bring a yoga mat, water and a blanket. There are no registration requirements, but confirm by calling the number above, or contact sanramon@us.artofliving.org for more information.

There is Art Excel Follow Up on Mar 06, 2011 at 4:00 PM, again a free event.

The next course (paid – $250) would be Saturday, March 17 – 20. In just three sessions of two hours each, participants “learn to tap the depths of our nature. After the course we can use this simple meditation practice to overcome the effects of inevitable stressful situations and make a positive impact on the quality of our lives”. The highlight of the course is the Sudarshan Kriya: An immensely powerful technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and purify the entire system by releasing toxins at the deepest cellular level. In addition you can expect talks on wisdom, useful breathing techniques, and even some fun!
There is another course from March 26th-28th, 2011

• Friday Singing Satsang at 7 p.m. at the Tri-Valley Center
• Long Kriya Schedule at the Center: Wednesday Long Kriya 7pm-8:30pm, Saturday Long Kriya 7am-9am
• Mahasivaratri Celebrations, March 2nd, 2011 from 7pm onwards at Tri-Valley Center

The center may also organize Festival of Colors (Holi) on March 19th, 2011. Stay tuned for updates here.

Tri Valley area (Pleasanton, San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore, Danville) fortunately has a handful of exponent-teachers in the field of Indian classical music and dance (both Hindustani and Carnatic). Here is a list (not all contact information is validated). This is by no means the exclusive list, so if any additional are known, please update in the comments section. For a list of more modern dance forms, including Bollywood, check this earlier post: http://www.trivalleydesi.com/bollywood-indian-dance-classes-in-tri-valley/

Hindustani Vocals in San Ramon!
Learn both classical and popular vocal music from Sunita (of SuSangeet) who has
been teaching music classes in the Bay Area since 1993. Students will begin
with a good grounding of classical octave/sargam sounds, then progress to Ragas
& Popular Music.
Notes will be provided for Keyboarding. Student performances are held along
with CERTIFICATION FROM INDIA.
Contact Sunita: 925-648-2820
Bach.in Music (Hnrs) – Banaras Hindu Univ.
Post Graduate – Prayag Sangeet Samiti SuSangeet.

Bharatnatyam & Carnatic Music
Name: Nityalakshmi Iyer
Email: nitya84arun@gmail.com
Field: Bharatnatyam & Carnatic Music
Address: San Ramon, California
Telephone: (925) 480-7507
Misc. Info: Nityalakshmi Iyer is a versatile artist and has a Masters in Performing Arts in Bharatanatyam from Nalanda Kala Mahavidyalaya under the tutelage of Padmashree Dr. Smt. Kanak Rele. She is the proud recipient of many Awards and Scholarships, especially the coveted ‘Government of India Scholarship’ by the Ministry of Culture and the Nehru Center Scholarship. She has been a Guru to around 200 disciples till date.

Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal
Name: Kalaikoil, Swetha Dixit
Email: swethadixit@comcast.net
Address: Kalaikoil-Dance & Arts of India 6715-G, Dublin Blvd, Dublin, Ca 94568
Telephone: 925 449-3714

Sloka and Devotional Music
Name: Prema Krishnamurthy
Email: kumaragruha@yahoo.com
Address: Pleasanton, CA, USA
Misc Info: Teacher is from Mysore, and has over 30 years of sloka and devotional music instruction experience. The following listing is not all inclusive, but gives an idea of the variety of instructional material that is available: * Devotional Devaranamas * Bhavageethe/Bhakthigeethe * Devotional songs, slokas and bhajans like; o Jayadeva”s Ashtapadis, o Adi Shankaracharya’s – Lalitha Sahasranamam, – Shamaladandakam, – Soundarya Lahiri, – Mantra Matruka Pushpa Maalam, – Adithya Hrudayam – Sowbhagya Panchadashi, etc. Contact to enquire about any special slokas or devotional music. Please contact for scheduling, fees and customizing instruction.

Vocal Karnatic
Name: Prema Murthy
Email: kumaragruha@yahoo.com
Adress: Pleasanton, CA
Telephone: 925-485-1454
Misc. Info: Customised music lessons for kids and grown-ups. Classes offered: Pure Karnatic Sangeeta, Bhava Geete, Dasa Padas, devotional music (e.g. Soundarya Lahiri), Bhajans

Indian Classical Instrumental Music – Santoor
Name: Madan Oak
Email: madanoak@aol.com
Adress: 5760 Newfields Lane Dublin CA 94568
Telephone: (925)-556-9611
Misc. Info: Madan is a disciple of the world renowned Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Madan has been studying Indian classical music for more than 16 years. He would like to teach santoor if anyone is interested.

Bharata Natyam
Name: Dr. Bindu S. Shankar, Ph.D.
Email: bindu@vrindavanacademy.com
Adress: San Ramon, CA 94583 (bay area)
Telephone: 925-875-1095
Misc. Info: I graduated in Bharata Natyam from Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai. I also teach Folk dances on a limited basis. Website – http://www.vrindavanacademy.com

Bharatanatyam dance school
Thakadhimi Dance Academy
Lakshmi Priya Rajamani
(650) 504-6843
rajamani.priya@gmail.com

http://www.thakadhimi.com

9816 Belladonna Dr, San Ramon

Others
Kuchipudi Art Center, Sunita Pendekanti
(925) 484-2389 Pleasanton

Natya Rasa, Savithri Hari
(925) 943-1660 Walnut Creek

Sur-mandir, Ellora Jha
(925) 556-0748 Dublin

To initiate, nurture,and promote the Hindustani and Carnatic forms of Indian Classical Music, we will be hosting monthly House Concerts at our home in Windemere, San Ramon. If you would like to be kept informed about our upcoming concerts please let us know. We will add you to our Mailing list for further updates.

Please feel free to pass the information along to your interested friends and families.

Thank You.
Varsha and Satyan

And onto a sports field – running, exercising and playing sports !!

How is it like celebrating Diwali in bay area this year 2010? There’s been Dandiya dances all over in October. The desi stores are decked up with Diwali mithai and puja stuff. You could be planning get-togethers with friends and family. And now there are Diwali festivals being organized all over the bay area, and you could decide to attend one of those.

There is general festivity in the air. Even the stores in the malls and elsewhere are beginning to show that holiday season is not far away. So if you would like to do any new purchases on occasion of Diwali – the Dhanteras Tradition, its not a bad time either.
The lead this year, like others, for Diwali celebration is being provided by the temples of the region.
The Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar is organizing what they call ‘Diwali Celebration like back home in India‘ for five days from Nov 2 to 7 in Milpitas.
The Sunnyvale Hindu Temple is organizing Diwali Mela 2010 from Oct 29 – 31. The Livermore Hindu Temple is organizing special puja on Nov 5 and 6. The Fremont temple has the big festival going on on Nov 6. The Sikh Gurudwaras have a huge Diwali celebration and langar on Diwali as well.

Adding to the festival calendar during this time, especially for the kids, is Halloween. If adults want to indulge, there is Halloween Party + Miss India Norcal at an event organized in Milpitas.

The businesses and other associations have been active as well. Cupertino Chamber of Commerce & Asian American Business Council organized Diwali Festival on Oct 8, and IIT Foundation had their cultural competition on Oct 2 in Campbell.
The Tri Valley Indian Association is also organizing their Diwali night on Nov 13 at the Hart Middle School, Pleasanton. So if you are in Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore, Danville – this could be your local Diwali festival. (UPDATE Nov 4, 2010 – the Pleasanton event stands cancelled).

Private parties and potlucks on Diwali are common – then there are Diwali Meetups like this one if one is interested in for San Ramon Pleasanton area for Nov 6.

And finally, for the day of Diwali, plan on dressing up, lighting up your house, do rangoli, puja, eat a lot of mitthai but refrain from any fireworks.