Category Archives: Culture

Concord Baisakhi Mela 2011

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.

Art of Living is living and thriving in Tri Valley

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 [email protected] 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.

Hindustani or Carnatic music teachers

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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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
[email protected]
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

Monthly House Concerts of Indian Classical Music

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

Diwali Celebrations this year

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.

Happy_Diwali
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.

Diwali at Fremont Gurdwara
Diwali at Fremont Gurdwara

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.

Celebrate Diwali in Tri Valley

The Tri Valley Indian Association is celebrating Diwali in style by organizing a “Diwali Dhamaka 2010” event on Saturday, November 13th at the Hart Middle School, Pleasanton.
Its to be a night of fun, celebration, dance and good food.
The actual day of Diwali is a week before, on 5th of November. So keep that weekend for worshiping and puja, and culminate the festivities with a dhamaka the next week!

TVIA Diwali 2010

Date: Sat, Nov 13th, 2010
Location: Hart Middle School, Pleasanton, CA.
Time: 6:00pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: Adult – $20
Kids (5yrs – 15yrs) – $10
Kids (3yrs – 5 yrs)- $5
Kids (Under 3 yrs)- Free
Discount of 10% for 10 tickets or more; tickets available at sulekha.com
Diwali celebration in Tri Valley
This event is cancelled as of Nov 4, 2010. Here is the email communication from tvia.
On Thu, Nov 4, 2010 at 11:25 AM, TVIA East Bay wrote:

It is with great regret I want to inform you that this year’s Diwali event has been cancelled. We couldn’t organize the event this time due to lack of participation.
We hope to get more volunteers in the future so that we can continue promoting Indian traditional events in the East Bay Area.

Nevertheless, Happy Diwali 2010 wishes to you and your family !
TVIA committee.

Dandiya hee Dandiyaa

Well, next in the calendar is Navratri, and Dandiya or Garba nights that come with it.
Garba is an Indian form of dance that originated in the Gujarat region. It is more similar to Western folk dance than to the presentational style of Indian classical dances such as bharatanatyam and odissi. The name garba comes from the Sanskrit term Garba (“womb”) and Deep (“a small earthenware lamp”).
Modern garba is also heavily influenced by raas. Raas or Dandiya Raas is the traditional folk dance form of Vrindavan, India, where it is performed depicting scenes of Holi, and lila of Krishna and Radha. Along with Garba, it is the featured dance of Navratri evenings in Western India.

There is a huge interest in Garba amongst the youth of the Indian and in particular Gujarati diaspora in Garba. Garba and Dandiya Raas are popular in US where more than 20 Universities have Raas Garba Competitions of a huge scale every year with professional choreography.

What to wear:
Both men and women usually wear colorful costumes while performing garba and dandiya. The girls and the women wear ghaghra choli, a three-piece dress with choli on the top and ghaghra as bottom, made of cotton with beads, shells, mirrors, sitars, and embroidery work, mati, jhumkas, necklaces, bindi, bajubandh, chudas and kangans, kamarbandh, payal, and mojiris and dupatta tucked in the Gujarati manner. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a kediyu – a short round kurta – above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.

In Dandiya Raas men and women dance in two circles, with sticks in their hands. In the old times Raas did not involve much singing, just the beat of Dhol was enough. “Dandiya” or sticks, are about 18″ long. Each dancer holds two, although some times when they are short on Dandiya they will use just one in right hand. Generally, in a four beat rhythm, opposite sides hit the sticks at the same time, creating a nice sound. One circle goes clockwise and another counter clockwise. In US, people don’t form full circles, but instead often form rows.

Participate, and enjoy Dandiya in the Bay Area. For Tri Valley folks, there is one on Oct 16 in Pleasanton!

Vibha Dandia 2010
When: Saturdays, Oct 2nd, 9th and 16th
Where: Centerville Junior High School , 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538
Cost: Early bird tickets: $10, • Regular price: $13 • Kids aged 10 and under: FREE • Door price: $15 (if available)
Others: • Free Dandia/Raas/Garba lessons will be provided by experienced dancers to all ticket holders • Dandia sticks, Food and beverages can be purchased at the venue

vibha dandia 2010 bay area
vibha dandia 2010 bay area

SEF Dandia 2010 Sankara Eye Foundation
When: Oct 9th and 23rd 2010 (Santa Clara) ; Oct 16th 2010 (Pleasanton) – 7:00 PM
Where: Santa Clara Convention Center, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Cost: $15
Others: FREE: Dandia Lessons for ALL, Entrance For Kids Under Age 5, Parking. Also, complimentary Check-In Service for Your Dandia Sticks, Special Dancing Area For Kids providing them Extra Safety, Free teak dandia sticks for first 500 tickets per event

SEF Dandia Bay Area
SEF Dandia Bay Area
SEF Dandia 2010
SEF Dandia 2010

Small Steps Diwali Dandia 2010
When: Oct 30 2010, at 7:30pm
Where: Address :Centerville Junior High School in Fremont – 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, CA
Cost: Early Bird (Until Oct 10th) :Adult – $10, Child (5-12) – FREE, Regular (After Oct 10th) :Adult – $13, Child (5-12) – $5, At the Gate :Adult – $15, Child (5-12) – $5
Others: Free Dandia Lesson during 1st hour

Small Steps Dandia 2010
Small Steps Dandia 2010

Sewa Dandia 2010
When: Oct 8 2010 8:00PM
Where: Sunnyvale Temple Hall, 420 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, CA
Cost: General Admission $10 (FREE For Kids Under 10 Years)
Others: Subsidized food; All proceeds will go towards Sewa International service projects. Free lessons for Dandia.
Sewa Dandia 2010 Bay Area

IFDA Navratri Hungama 2010
When: Oct 24 2010 6:00PM
Where: East Valley YMCA Gym, 1975 South White Road, San Jose, CA
Cost: :$10 Current IFDA Students and immediate families, non-IFDA attendes under the age of 12. $15 – non-IFDA attendees above the age of 12.
Others: Lessons; Celebrity Guest Ganesh Venkataraman; bone-marrow drive
IFDA Navratri 2010

The Kirtan movement – catching on

Its quite heartening to know about the ‘kirtan’ movement, and how active and alive it is the bay area. ‘Kirtan’ means a rendition of music as you pray to the God, a kind of call-and-response chanting performed in India’s devotional traditions (in Sankrit). It is a major practice in Vaisnava north Indian Hindu religious context as well as in Sikhism and Sant traditions. What makes this movemen different in US is that looks like there is rarely an Indian participating in it! So a rare kind of Hindu manifestation that is finding adherents in the West (like Yoga). And talking of such liberal tranditions in American society, where else to find this but in the northern california, and around Berkeley.
Bay Area Kirtan - Marin County Feb 2010
The idea of Kirtan in US started with Paramhansa Yogananda and later spead with Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its becoming increasingly popular at the Yoga Centers.
There are various active meet-up groups that are bringing people together for Kirtans. For example, the Bay Area Kirtan Lovers group is ‘for people who love kirtan, or for anyone who is curious about it. If you enjoy the music of Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Karnamrita Dasi, Ragani, Mukti, Jaya Lakshmi, Dave Stringer and other kirtan artists, then this group is for you!’
The group which meets for one kirtan per month in the San Francisco Bay Area. Members sometimes also get together either before or after a kirtan, sharing a meal or dessert/tea, so they can get to know each other better as well and “experience some wonderful synchronities”! ‘Those who haven’t yet experienced kirtan, but are interested in spirituality, yoga, meditation, music, etc. are also welcome to join the group and check it out. Sometimes car-pooling may be available with other members.’
The Kirtan groups shun some commercial aspects, like someone coming to promote yoga classes.
There are various Kirtan updates available on http://www.boloma.com/ – that have further links into various recurring bhakti and Kirtan related events in the San Fransisco Bay Area.

India Independence Day 15th August Celebrations 2010

Happy Independence Day 2010
Happy Independence Day 2010

The Federation of Indian Associations is again organizing the grand mela and parade on August 15th 2010 (Sunday) at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA, 94536 (Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave). The Festival of India Banquet Night would be held at San Ramon Marriott.

The booth price at the festival ranges from $550 for a non-profit to Corporate for $5,000. This big festival in the San Fransisco Bay Area, California, showcases and shares India’s rich culture and heritage through various events. Over 120 booths will feature Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothes, jewelry, food, and more. The parade is a work of art featuring 15 floats representing different states of India, the Indian-American community and businesses organizations. The grand carnival will feature Bollywood star Aftab Shivdasani and Bollywood Singer Arpita Mukerjee who will serve as Grand Marshals leading the parade. Parade assembly is at 12 noon sharp, with entertainment and shows set to commence at 2 p.m., continuing throughout the day.

  • For Parade, participants will line up on Capitol Avenue and proceed along Liberty Street onto Walnut Avenue.

    Parade Route
    Parade Route
  • COST: $5 general entrance. The health fair and Sunday’s parade are free. The tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5. Entry tickets need to be purchased separately for Saturday, August 14th, 2010 and Sunday, August 15th, 2010. Tickets will be valid for the day purchased only and need to be exchanged to wrist bands at the “On-line” ticketing window near the mela entrance. If you bought a $4 ticket online prior to Aug 13, get an printed email confirmation.
  • Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with a free health fair that includes consultations with more than 100 doctors and nurses
  • It costs about $250,000 to hold the two-day festival, the Bay Area’s largest Indo-American celebration
  • Organizers had to cancel the 2008 parade because of a lack of funds
  • Festival of India became an instant success when it started in 1992
  • More than 50,000 visitors expected to central Fremont
  • Celebrations will begin Friday, August 13 with an official flag raising ceremony at San Jose’ City Hall at 6:30 p.m
  • Parking available in neighboring commercial lots. See Parking Map for the Independence Day Festival in Fremont here. Parking Map 2010 Festival of India Fremont(courtesy fiaonline.org)

There will also be a Free Health Fair (10:00 am – 01:00 pm), Dance Competition, Kids Corner, Mela on Sat, August 14, 11am – 7pm at Fremont Hall of Justice Parking Lot at corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave.
Dance Competition Entry Form Deadline is Fri, August 6, 11:30pm – Sat, August 7, 12:00am. The form can be accessed here.

2010 Grand Marshal is Aftab Shivdasani. Last year it was Mauli Dave (Singer)
Chief Guests this year are Jeevika Shah, Mrs. India 2004 and Arpita Mukerjee, Bollywood Singer
Indian Musical Extravaganza with SaReGaMaPa Finalist Mauli Dave

Jeevika Shah
Jeevika Shah
Aftab Shivdasani
Aftab Shivdasani
Arpita Mukerjee
Arpita Mukerjee

Time 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Festival Mela Stage

Festival of India Banquet Night
Place: San Ramon Marriott
Time: 8:00 pm
Music, DJ and Sumptuous Indian Dinner
FIA Members: Free
Tickets: $50/Person

Free Health Fair
10:00 am – 01:00 pm

Saturday, Aug 14, 2010

Free Health Fair

10:00 am – 01:00 pm

Mela (Fair)
10:00 am – 07:00 pm

Dance Competition
11:00 am – 05:00 pm

Dance Competition/Awards
05:00 pm – 06:00 pm

Sunday, Aug 15, 2010

Mela (Fair)
10:00 am – 07:00 pm

Cultural Program
11:00 am – 12:00 Noon

Parade
12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm

More details to follow…

****************************************************************************

Global Indian Technology Professional’s Association (GITPRO) is also celebrating India’s Independence Day (and its own Anniversary) as a free event on Sunday, August 15, 2010, 5:15-7:15 pm at Washington Park Hall, 840 W Washington Ave, Sunnyvale, California.

High Lights:
1. Journey and the Role of Indian Entrepreneurs in USA/India
2. 1857 the First War of Independence
3. Hindi Patriotic Songs Cultural Program

******************************************************************
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple – Cultural Event on the occasion of Independence of India
By Mile Sur Mera Tumhara Group
Sunday 15th Aug, 2010 4:00PM – 6:30PM
(Free & Snacks will be served)
Also, there would be a Hasya Kavi Sammelan by famous humorous Poets from India on Saturday 14th August 2010 8:00PM (its a ticketed event)
******************************************************************
Celebrating Independence Day of India, Big Cinemas will be screening a number of popular Bollywood movies free for cine lovers across the US.

Movies like ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Chak De India’, ‘Namaste London’, ‘Rock On’, ‘Sivaji’, ‘Dasavatharam’, and ‘Indian’ have been lined up for screening in 11 theaters for the week long ‘Spirit of my Tiraga’ beginning August 7.

BIG Cinemas is also the in-cinema partner for India Day Parade Fremont.

Celebrate July 4 – but don’t keep fireworks for Diwali

Or the best is – July 4 Fireworks: Watch Them, Don’t Buy Them
Though buying and using fireworks is legal in Dublin (but not in Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon or Danville) – note that its so for celebrating the Independence Day, and not for other festivals like Diwali for Indians or Japanese hanabi taikai. So if you are harboring any ideas to buy the crackers this week for the dual purpose, drop the idea and instead enjoy the fireworks show in one of the Dublin parks, or the city organized celebrations in other cities (as noted below).

Use of “safe and sane” fireworks, which carry a state fire marshal’s seal and do not explode, fly or burn excessively hot, are legal on private property in just a dozen Bay Area communities, including Dublin where Safe and Sane Fireworks can Be Used in Single Family Neighborhoods and Designated Parks on the Fourth of July.
But fireworks purchased in those cities can be set off only in those cities.

Designated Parks in Dublin For Use of Safe and Sane Fireworks
1. The Alamo Creek Park (Dougherty Road & Willow Creek Drive)
2. Dublin Sports Grounds (Dublin Blvd. & Civic Plaza)
3. Emerald Glen Park (Tassajara & Gleason Drive)
The City of Dublin has designated the 3 Parks where the use of Safe and Sane Fireworks will be permitted between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 4th of July Only!!!
NO FIREWORKS OF ANY TYPE, including “Safe and Sane”, will be permitted at many City Facilities, Parks or Public Schools. See list here:
http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us/pdf/Designated%20Parks%20in%20Dublin.pdf

The City of Dublin does not allow the use of any fireworks in multi-family housing areas or any other City facilities, schools, and non-designated parks. Please do NOT hesitate to report any non-permitted use of fireworks to Dublin Police Services at (925) 462-1212.
Fireworks are sold by non-profit groups located in the City of The application process for a fireworks booth begins in April of each year.

Many of the non-profit organizations in Dublin, CA, support their community service efforts by selling fireworks every year. This year, the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks starts on Monday, June 28. The list of participating organizations include:
Rotary Club of Dublin 7944 Dublin Boulevard (Hooters)
Wells Band 4400 Tassajara Road (Safeway at Waterford)
Dublin Partner in Education 4400 John Monego Court (GMC Buick)

Personal fireworks use, which is illegal throughout Contra Costa County which includes San Ramon and Danville. Offenders could face $500 in fines for the smaller fireworks, while possession of more potent fireworks like M-80s or cherry bombs could lead to felony charges, fines of up to $5,000 and jail time.

San Ramon’s “Red, White and Blue Picnic and Fireworks” is Sunday, July 4 in the city’s Central Park at 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Families are welcomed to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful park setting beginning at 1 p.m., with the fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call the City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department at 925-973-3200.

The Pleasanton Police Department and the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department want to ensure everyone has a safe Independence Day and remind you that ALL FIREWORKS, INCLUDING SAFE AND SANE, ARE ILLEGAL IN PLEASANTON. Violations are taken very seriously and violators can expect to receive a citation and have their fireworks seized.

Its rumoured that one can always go to China Towns or Mexico to buy fireworks anytime, but a good place to learn what’s legal and illegal in each state is the American Pyrotechnics Assoc website http://www.americanpyro.com/State%20Laws%20(main)/PDFStates/california.pdf

Despite the ban of fireworks that exist in most cities in the area, including San Jose, you won’t have to go very far in your city to see somebody shooting off fireworks. “Illegal fireworks are available everywhere now,” said Gilroy Fire Marshal Jackie Bretschneider, whose city is one of the few to allow the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks. The debate on banning fireworks is starting to heat up. One Northern California city is resuming fireworks sales after reasoning there was no way to enforce a ban. But officials in most cities are sticking by theirs, insisting the bans are the only way to prevent a rash of fires and injuries.

List of 275 Communities Permitting State-Approved Fireworks
http://www.ca-fireworks.com/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=508

Reference:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_15413967?nclick_check=1
http://sanramon.patch.com/articles/july-4-fireworks-watch-them-dont-buy-them
http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us/qa-fire.cfm?Ans=3NV113232200719125023&PL=exp&SL=FS
http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/news/?nid=84

Conversation Hindi Camp in Pleasanton

Organized by US Hindi Organization (USHA), the Conversational Hindi camp will provide a creative, fun, and interactive environment and focus on developing conversational Hindi skills.

CampHighlights:

· Unique exposure to Hindi
· Practice spoken Hindi through theater, real life situations, indoor and outdoor games and peer-to-peer conversing
· Animation Movies & Songs
· Provides both fun and learning
· Step up to a higher speaking level
· Lots of activities for the whole day!

OPEN TO ALL PUBLIC / Grades K-8 / June21-June25/ 9am – 4pm
code: 94588. Camp. Carden West School.
June 21-June 25 – 9am-4p / $335.00
Instructor(s): Manju Mishra
Location: Carden West School(Pleasanton)
For Registration email [email protected] or call (650)493-1566
Other classes in also being held in Belmont, Fremont, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, San Jose, Sunnyvale
http://www.ssreg.com/usha/

Madhu Bhasha Kendra in also organizing Hindi camps in Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose and Saratoga
Schedule is here http://www.hindionline.org/tentative_schedule.htm

Or as always, India Community Center has summer camps in a wide range. Check http://www.indiacc.org/culturalcamps

Basant Kites Festivals in Bay Area

Spring! It’s that time of the year when India and Indians everywhere come alive in a riot of vivacious colors to herald spring! As India is a country of diverse cultures there are many varied festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring in the different parts of the country! Basically most festivals have a religious fervor to it and are symbolic of victory of good over evil !
Holi, and then Basant Panchami.
During spring in the northern states of Haryana and Punjab, the mustard fields are in full bloom and resembles yellow carpets laid out on acres of land . Hence, yellow is the color of the festival and people wear yellow clothes and fly yellow kites on the rooftops after a religious ceremony dedicated to the Goddess of learning! People fly kites in the nights as well using searchlights!
The spring festival Uttarayan of Gujarat in north India falls at a time ,when the sun and the wind flow ,is favorable for flying kites!

In the Bay Area, there are at least two festivals being celebrated.

Basant Kite Festival, Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, Sunday, May 16, 2010
“We are gearing up for the Basant Kite Festival. This year for the very first time we will be celebrating this cultural tradition, common in India and Pakistan, by bringing the Silicon Valley Pakistani and Indian communities together. Every year at this event we fly desi kites, have a kite flying competition, music program at the center stage, dancing (bhangra and others), children games and activities, vendor booths and stalls, food booths, etc.”

Basant Kites Festival Sunnyvale 2010
Basant ites Festival Sunnyvale 2010

Kids ‘n Kites Festival, Central Park, Fremont, Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department is holding its annual Kids ‘n Kites Festival on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival, presented by American Swim Academy, is located within Central Park, next to Aqua Adventure Waterpark.

The festival is free to the public, and includes free kites to the first 2,500 children in attendance. There will be live entertainment on the main stage, interactive booths highlighting summer activities, play area for the kids, food, and more. The festival has something fun for everyone!

Kids N Kites Festival Fremont 2010
Kids N Kites Festival Fremont 2010

Baisakhi Mela 2010 in Concord

Baisakhi Mela 2010 or 7th Annual Diversity Spring Festival will be held on Saturday May 01 2010 at the Todos Santos Park Plaza in downtown Concord from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The mela will feature dances, and programs for children.
May 1st 2010 10:00am to 5:00pm
Free Entry & Food
Todos Santos Park Plaza
Downtown Concord
California 94520
(off of Willow Pass Rd. Corner to Grant St.)
Presented By: South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation – SABH CENTER.
A Non-Profit California agency providing residential & mental health services to mentally & developmentally disabled, new immigrants & seniors
The festival is sponsored by the Therapeutic Residential Services, and the Federation of Inod-American Association of Northern California.

Baisakhi Mela 2010 or 7th Annual Diversity Spring Festival will be held on Saturday May 01 2010 at the Todos Santos Park Plaza in downtown Concord from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The mela will feature dances, and programs for children.

  • May 1st 2010 10:00am to 5:00pm
  • Free Entry & Food

Todos Santos Park Plaza

Downtown Concord

California 94520

(off of Willow Pass Rd. Corner to Grant St.)

Presented By: South Asian Behavioral Health and Training Foundation – SABH CENTER.

A Non-Profit California agency providing residential & mental health services to mentally & developmentally disabled, new immigrants & seniors

The festival is sponsored by the Therapeutic Residential Services, and the Federation of Inod-American Association of Northern California.




Bollywood & Indian dance classes in Tri Valley

Today, there are many dance academy or classes in the tri valley cities of San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Danville and Livermore. They tend to primarily cater to a growing tendency of parents to have their children train in some form of bollywood dancing, as well as some are more culturally serious and go into the dephths of Bharatnatyam and Kathan, the traditional dance forms.

Typically youngsters are attending these classes on weekends. The classes are held in one rented dance studio or another. They pick up one or two of the recent bollywood numbers and have the class learn steps to the music. The classes typically end in a performance in one of the auditoriums in the area. For the final performance, parents buy tickets which cover the cost of renting the facility and arranging for dresses, etc.

Like any other kind of basic training anywhere else, these classes cost USD 10-15 per hour (per week) – and are typically arranged for 8-10 weeks a time. Some of the companies are local to Bay Area, while some have national presence. While a couple are local programmes, for the classical forms.

Mona Sampath Dance Company
Bollywood Dance, Fitness – all levels
Dublin & Pleasanton Classes
Dublin Fitness 2000: 7373 Village Pkway, Dublin, CA 94568
Pleasanton Spark: 3550 Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Rented Studio
inf…@m…com

Gurus of Dance
Bollywood Dance
Fitness 2000 7373 Village Pkwy Dublin, California 94568
classe…@g…com

Arya Dance Academy
Nationwide presence – classical dance to bollywood – Troupes, Pageants
Fitness 2000 7373 Village Pkwy Dublin, CA
register.ary…@g…com

Stepz Bollywood Dance
Dance and fitness – Bollywood dance
1901 Camino Ramon, Suite C, Danville, CA 94526
Taal Studio 6715-E Dublin Blvd, Dublin, CA 94568
CLOSED

Nupoor Dances
Taal Dance Studio, 6715 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
nupoordance…@y…com

Vrindavan Indian Dance Academy, Dr. Bindu S. Shankar
Bharatanatyam and Folk Dances
c/o San Ramon Valley Dance Academy
101 Ryan Industrial Court,
San Ramon, CA 94583.
bind…@v…com

Kalaikoil Dance and Arts of India, Swetha Dixit
Bharatanatyam, Carnatic Vocal, Hindu Vedic chantin
6715-G Dublin Blvd, Dublin Ca 94568
Livermore – near the Hindu Temple
swethadixi…@c…com

4Ever Dance Studio
Saira Khan – Bombay Jam, Meera Sarkar Riar – Kathak, Karan Riar – Bollywood
6635 Dublin Blvd Dublin, CA 94568
inf…@4…com

Riar Academy of Performing Arts
Bollywood and Kathak classes in Dublin, San Ramon, Livermore
6635 Dublin Blvd Dublin, CA 94568
inf…@r…com

Earthly Delights Fitness
7063 Commerce Cir Pleasanton, CA 94588
Dance: CLOSED

India Republic Day 2010 Celebrations

India Republic Day (January 26) Celebrations will be on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Newark Pavilion, 6430 Thornton Ave., Newark, CA 94560. There will be a cultural program, patriotic songs, followed by dinner with invited guests.
Contacts: www.fiaonline.org or 51O-938-8668.

Also announced are the 18th Festival of India and Parade Celebrations on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave – same location as previous years).

Organized by Federation of Indo Americans of Northern California.

india-republic-day-2010-bay-area

Desi Indian New Year Parties 2010

No, the Trivalley area still does not have the critical mass of Desis to successfully host a party on its own. Private get-togethers for sure, but not the kinds where an entrepreneur can take initiative to put some classy entertainment together, book a party place, and take the risk of selling enough tickets.

But its apparent that almost all the better known Bay Area desi spots will have one or more parties being thrown together. Works for families and groups, and partners and singles. A DJ and dance floor is apparently the minimum denominator; some of the higher end ones have a celebrity or two visiting as well.

This year can drive to Fremont, Milpitas, Sunnywale, Newark, San Jose, Concord, or even Sacramento! In the coming year or two, hopefully we will see a party right here in San Ramon, Dublin or Pleasanton.

Leave behind 2009 in style, enjoy the evening and entertain yourself!
Here is a quick list of what events are scheduled in the Bay Area to welcome the new year 2010:

Holiday Inn – San Jose
http://www.bollywoodcool.com/
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Dance Performance by Kashmera Shah and Stand-up Comedy
General Tickets – $75.00

Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara
www.tigerfest2010.info
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Performance by Upen Patel , Celebrity Fashion Show
Minimum $75.00

Diamond Palace , Fremont
www.shindalivenye.com
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Sukshinder Shinda, Micki Narula
Tickets $99

India Community Center , Milpitas
www.indiacc.org
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Stand-Up Comedy, Dance
Tickets $79

The Diamond Palace, Fremont
510-453-1521
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Andhra Dance, Telugu DJ, Tambola
General Tickets – $59.00

City Beach, Fremont
www.desinewyearparty.com
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Akhil Tatreja DJ and Remix
General Tickets – $69.00

Udupi Palace, Newark
510-794-8400
General Tickets – $25.00
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: DJ – AR Rahman Beats

Hilton Concord Hotel, Concord
925-888-4392
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Live Band, DJ, Professional Photographer
General Tickets – $65.00

Hilton Hotel, Sacramento
916-772-7555
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: Multiple Ball Rooms, DJs
General Tickets – $65.00

Sneha – Banquet Hall, Sunnyvale
New Year 2010 Program Highlight: DJ, Dance
Tickets $50

Happy New Year!

Guru Nanak Movie Project, Dublin, CA

http://gurunanakmovie.com/default.aspx

…dedicated to the idea and making of a movie on one of the most important in Indian history, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The Guru Nanak Movie Project

(925) 858-5781 (ph)

(925) 905-2141 (fx)

4101 Dublin Blvd Ste F #134

Dublin, CA 94568

[email protected]

The Guru Nanak Movie Project
(925) 858-5781 (ph)
(925) 905-2141 (fx)
4101 Dublin Blvd Ste F #134
Dublin, CA 94568