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

Natya Mela 2012, a two day Bengali Theater Festival will be organized by Sanskriti in Pleasanton on Feb 4 and 5. Sanskriti is a Bay Area’s prominent Cultural and Charitable Association.
Venue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road,Pleasanton,CA,94566

Feb 4, 2012 – Saturday
3:15 PM “Bhul Swargo” Actopia, Bay Area
4:20 PM “Ekti GaNye Thaki” ECTA, New Jersey
5:55 PM – 6:40 PM Break
6:45 PM “Thikana” Brishchik, Seattle

Feb 5, 2012,Sunday
2:15 PM “Burkah Nama” Auditiya, Bay Area
3:00 PM “Norok Gulzar” Ankur, Sacramento
4:05 PM – 4:35 PM Break
4:40 PM “Tiktiki” Re-Act(Houston-Durgabari) Texas

Tickets are 20 – 30 USD, with a combo for two days for 40.
Check here for synopsis of the plays, and to book.

Last year, in October, Sanskriti was involved in organizing a festival to celebrate Durga Puja Other Cultural Programs and activities, including games like Carom and Table Tennis. As well they organized an event to pay tribute to Rabindra Nath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th Birth Anniversary at the same location Amador Theater, Pleasanton.

Stop by at the Dublin Library on Sat, Jan 28 for a “breathtaking” bollywood music concert by Jhankar Live. Started in 2006 by a group of passionate music enthusiasts, the team excels in presenting soft, melodious songs as well as fast-paced numbers.

JhankarLive also performs for charitable causes and supports education and artistic talent development of poor children. Members of JhankarLive, fondly called “the jhankaris”, are all full-time employees of leading Bay Area organizations. Since its very first year of performing, Jhankar Live has performed to massive applause and rave reviews. For more information about the free afternoon concert, please call (925) 828-1315 or write to jhankarband@gmail.com.

An afternoon of Bollywood Music
Saturday, January 28
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dublin Library
200 Civic Plaza, Dublin
(925) 828-1315

Update: Jan 28, 2012
The group performed to a packed hall. The songs were chosen in memory of late Deva Anand and Shammi Kapoor. Entertaining!

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.

Desi’s are now totally aware of the Spain’s Tomato Fight Festival La Tomatina – courtesy the movie ‘zindagi na milegi dobara’. Well, a baby, but fun version of a similar -  Tomato Battle:NorCal is coming to Alameda Farigrounds (Pleasanton) on October 1st. It’s an all-day event featuring a beer garden, battle of the bands/rock show, and a GIANT FREAKING TOMATO FIGHT!!!

www.tomatobattle.com – Costs $40 – teens and up!

Here is a video from past Tomato Battles:

 

A musical mela will be bring forth entertainment for Pakistani youngsters on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at the Alameda County fair ground in Pleasanton, California. There is no entry fee for the show, which is scheduled to start at 11:00 am, while the music session will begin around 2pm onwards. The show is presented by the Pakistan association of San Francisco bay area (PASF) and PakMusic.net. It features a live performance of Kamijee and the North American Tour team for the first time in the Bay area.

This year again, The Federation of Indian Associations is organizing the grand mela and parade on August 13-14th. The mission of these India Independence Day festivities is to promote unity in diversity and democracy and build healthy relationship between various Indian and American communities. Folks from Tri Valley area have traditionally attended this biggest Indian mela in the bay Area with enthusiasm.
Location is same as lasy years – 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA, 94536 (Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave).
The Festival of India Banquet Night would be held in San Jose Airport Garden Hotel on Sunday night.
This year’s events will feature a Free Health Fair, Dance Competition, Grand Parade, Kid’s Corner, Banquet and a grand Cultural Program.

There will be more than 100 booths consisting of Clothes, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors serving up regional cuisines from across India.

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.

Bay Area Desi Recreation group’s Rafting trip is being arranged for beginners Class-III on Saturday (July 16th and August 6th ) and Class-IV trips with max 12 seats are arranged on Sundays (August 28th and September 4th -long week-end).
Jul 16 2011 at 10:00 am – Venue : Lotus CA near Folsom., 6500 Hwy 49, Lotus, California, United States

Expert guide will accompany each raft consist of 6-8 rafters for class-III and 6 rafters for class-4 (only 2 boats allowed per day for class-4). Swimming is not required as life jacket is full proof but good to have some swimming experience for C4. Water flow will make sure you don’t have to paddle a lot so.Check the pictures from last years trip on the group page.

• Saturday July 16th and August 6th : Level-III+ -1 day trip on Scenic American River south fork Gorge section from Lotus, CA (after Folsom on Hwy 50).
• Charges – $82.00 per person including River use fee, taxes & Lunch (regular is $145.00)- BBQ Lunch included, plenty veggie options will be there.
• Reporting time: 10:00AM takes 2.5 to 3 hours from Bay Area.
• Minimum age: 8 years
• Boats will be launched at their campground after the safety talk. Lunch stop after an hour of rafting.
• Carpool, logistics, maps etc information will be provided to confirmed list.
• Rafting from 10:30AM – 3PM. Bus will bring you back to the parking lot. After that you can drive back or stay for the camping.
• Cancellations: 4 days prior to the event start time for class-III, after that only replacements.
• Optional add on: Riverside camping, Lavish dinner, Live Band in the evening, free wine tasting on the campsite for extra cost.

RSVP/Group coordinator: Sunil Ganu
Phone: 408-243-9110 / 408-461-8390-c

There is a special two day Spice of India Weekend at the Alameda County Fair which is on from Wednesday, June 22, 2011 till Sunday, July 10, 2011 (at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA)
Spice of India Weekend – June 25-26 Saturday/Sunday – 2011

2011 Fair Prices:  Adult $10, Senior $8, Child $6

All Day in Festival Square both Saturday & Sunday:

• Art & Painting
• Henna Booth
• Produce & Spices (India Plaza, Dublin-shopindiaplaza.net)
• Cultural booths Indian
• Indian Food vendors on-site in Festival Square. (dishes for sale)

Saturday -June 25

• 12:00 – 12:30 – Welcome young and old for yoga and meditation basics with Yogi Mahendra12:30 – 1:45PM – 1st Annual Best of the Bay SAMOSA Contest Fastest Rolling & Best Tasting – Sponsored by India Plaza (*PRIZES for the Fastest Rollers & Best of the Bay overall Samosa)
• 01:45 – 2:00PM – DJ – Bollywood Music
• 02:00 – 3:00PM -TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ALL OF INDIA. NO PASSPORTS NEEDED! Unity in Diversity! Come see, hear, and taste from the culture from several regions
• 03:00 – 6:00PM – Bollywood Extravaganza! Live Dance Performances

Sunday-June 26

• 12:00 – 12:30 – Welcome young and old for yoga and meditation basics with Yogi Mahendra
• 10:00 – 1:00PM – My PART by ART: A World Art competition to help Benefits to Aid Japanese Tsunami Relief (In partnership with local corporations and non-profits)
• 01:15 – 1:45PM – Cooking Demo- Come learn the regional cuisines across the country of India
• 01:45 – 2:00PM – DJ – Bollywood Hits
• 02:00 – 3:00PM – TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ALL OF INDIA. NO PASSPORTS NEEDED! Unity in Diversity! Come see, hear, and taste from the culture from several regions
• 03:00 – 6:00PM – Bollywood Extravaganza!

There are a zillion others fun activities going on at the fair – check http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2011fair/home/index.php

TO REGISTER: http://secure.artofliving.org/event_details.aspx?event_id=100763

Event: Family Yoga Venue: Art of Living Center for Yoga and Meditation, Tri Valley Address: 6690 Amador Plaza Road, #215 Dublin, CA 94568  Map Date & Time: Jun 11, 2011  10:00 AM		Coordinator: Rashmi Patel Contact Phone: 925-964-9228 Contact Email: rashmi.patel@artofliving.org Address: 3181 wrangler road San Ramon, CA 94582
Adult and child yoga class Come spend an hour and half with your child (8+)to learn to destress, relax and rejuvenate. Learn important skills such as focus, concentration and improving memory with your child. A perfect way to start the summer and get ready for the next school year or the important events in your life. Register once for both you and your child.

On May 20, 2011, in Pleasanton, kids get to experience a bit India in the form of Henna Tattoos, food, fashion, entertainment in Mohr Elementary School – thanks to the Girls Scouts event Flight International Passport to India – a Gold Award event.
Presented by Girls Scouts of Northern California, Crossroads Service Unit, the event is hosted by Nehal Tenany (Troop 31473).
Its a great event for kids of all ages! All Activities are FREE! Include food, Henna Tattoos and much more!
Date: Friday, May 20, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Come and go anytime!
Place: Mohr Elementary School
3000 Dennis Drive, Pleasanton
Multipurpose Room

Full of Fun and Learning – Experience the Indian culture, food, fashion, entertainment, religion, and more!
There will be a series of booths filled with activities great for the family! Learn how to write in Hindi! Try the various foods! Even get a Henna tattoo! Kids will be issued a “Cultural passport”. This passport will get stamped at different booths. Completed passports will get a small prize.
Donations are welcome. All donations will be contributed to a non -profit educational organization in India!
No prior registration is necessary. For any questions, please contact: atenany@qmail.com. Or call 925-600-9940 for details!

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout 14-18 may earn. Someone once described the Girl Scout Gold Award as being “what you really want to be remembered for” in Girl Scouting. For many, the leadership skills, organizational skills, and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.

With winter and rain behind, kids would want to be out in the parks. Celebrate Spring with ‘The Eggstravaganza’ that begins at 10:00am and ends at 11:30am on April 23, 2011. The Spring Eggstravaganza features a unique Free Style egg hunt where children do not compete to pick up as many eggs as possible. Two designated egg hunt areas will allow you and your children to leisurely pick up eggs and take photographs. There is a limit of 10 eggs per paid participant. Other fun features of this event will include:

• Carnival games with prizes
• Bounce Houses
• Face Painting
• Arts and Crafts
• Petting Zoo
• Bubble Station
• Parachutes games
• Refreshments
• and
• A photo opportunity with Peter Rabbit!

Emerald Glen Park – Near Tennis Courts
4201 Central Parkway
Dublin, CA 94568

Emerald Glen Park encompasses 40 acres and features a playground with water activities, bocce ball courts and a skateboard park and tennis and basketball courts that are well lit for evening enjoyment.

$6.50 Residents
$7.50 Non Residents

Phone: 925-556-4500 http://www.dublinrecguide.com/

With the number of Indian immigrants settling in Tri Valley increasing at the rate it is, if anything, one would imagine increasing community organization and participation.
So its almost not heartening to know that Holi celebration in Tri Valley this year (2011) is not on a smooth ride. The TVIA (Tri Valley Indian Association) did an excellent job organizing Holi at the Emerald Glen park in Dublin last year (2010). The event was well organized, and was a hit. There was music, dance, games, color and a lot of bonhomie, and participation. However, from there on, first the TVIA Diwali plan last year went awry (lack of participation/interest – read tickets not sold), and then this year no Holi because of lack of volunteers to organize it.
Sure, the community needs helping hands!

In any case, there is some ray of hope. ‘Art of Living Tri-Valley Center – Pleasanton/ Dublin/ San Ramon’ was apparently up to something, and they have announced holding a potluck – ‘Festival of Colors (Holi)‘ on March 19th, 2011 at 11:30 AM, and they invite friends and family to join. The location is

Limerick Park
2833 Bethany Road
San Ramon, CA 94582

If you may want to go, please contact the center (925-336-1203, 510-593-5858, sanramon[a]us.artofliving.org) for participating in the food potluck.

Other than this, surely some groups of friends may be getting ready for celebrating Holi. The official Holi date actually is March 20 (Sunday) – so don’t be surprised to see brethren from India in colors of holi in parks during the weekend of March 19-20. If any groups are forming, please spread the word around. The more the people, the merrier and colorrier!

If you are willing to drive 25+ miles, there could be other good options:.

• Asha Stanford Holi 2011 Saturday, April 2 · 10:00am – 1:00pm Sandhill Fields Oak Rd Stanford, CA
• Holi Garba-Raas Party – March 12, 2011 8PM – Jain Temple Milpitas
• SEF UPMA Holi Mela 2011 Mar 19 2011 Time: 11:00 AM
• Holi Celebration & Mela at Sunnyvale Hindu Temple Mar 20 2011, Holi Dahan on Friday March 18th @ 07.00 PM
• Janyaa presents Holi Cupertino, CA 2011 Mar 13 2011 10:00AM
• BAYVP Holi Garba Celebration Mar 26 2011
• GCA Dhuleti Celebration Mar 19 2011 11:00AM
• Rajasthani Holi 2011 Mar 19 2011 9:00AM

For details, google the events.

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.