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This event is also occurring on Saturday, September 2.
Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Join MIM for our fifth annual celebration of the music and culture of India! See vibrant musical and dance performances, participate in an instrument-making craft and dance workshops, listen to Curator Talks, and more.
Sponsored by APS and The Ravi Shankar Foundation Supported by the India Association of Phoenix
Gifts Available for Purchase 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Treasures from India await at the Museum Store, with a selection of artisan crafts, jewelry, textiles, instruments, books, and music.
Photo Booth 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Have your picture taken with costumes and props at MIM’s custom photo booth, and instantly get your own copy to take home.
Rudra Vīṇā Craft-Making Activity 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Travel back through the history of North Indian Hindustani music by making this rudra vīṇā instrument. MIM volunteer team members will be on hand to help you craft, decorate, and play this enjoyable stringed instrument.
Silambam Phoenix Dance Performance 10:15–11:00 a.m. Witness the grace of classical bharata-nātyam dance of southern India performed by students from the unique dance school Silambam Phoenix under the direction of professional artist and founder Srimathy Mohan. For nearly twenty years, Silambam Phoenix has promoted India’s performing arts in the Valley through artistic education, presenting concerts by professional artists, and encouraging young talent in the artistic field.
Drumming and Music-Making Activity 10:30–11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–noon, 12:15–12:45 p.m., and 1:30–2:00 p.m. (Saturday only) Take part in family-friendly drumming and music making! Girl Scout Junior Museum Guides will lead this fun musical activity four times throughout the day on Saturday only—you won’t want to miss it.
Mini-Tours of Asia Gallery 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. (Saturday only) Join Girl Scout Junior Museum Guides (6th–12th graders) on a short, informative tour of the Asia Gallery, with a special focus on India. Mini-tours are offered on Saturday only and will take place four times throughout the day, so be sure to stop by for one.
Henna Body Art 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Get a beautiful henna body-art design from local artist Neelam Sandesara of the Henna Shoppe. Don’t worry, this natural, brown-tinted dye is only temporary!
Indian Dance Workshops 11:30 a.m.–noon and 12:30–1:00 p.m. Dive deeper into the art of bharata-nātyam dance with the advanced student instructors of Silambam Phoenix. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, come and drop by one of these workshops and learn some new moves!
Indian-Inspired Lunch Menu Available for Purchase 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Stop by Café Allegro and enjoy a special menu featuring Indian favorites, such as rogan josh (red lamb stew), South Indian vegetable curry, and delicious naan bread.
Carnatic Veena Ensemble Performance by Sheila Sudhakar 11:45–12:30 p.m. Talented musician Dr. Sheila Sudhakar and her ensemble will astonish with this performance of Carnatic music, the classical style from the south of India. The senior disciple of Smt. Geetha Bennett, Sudhakar leads this energetic ensemble as it immerses guests in the sounds and culture of the region.
Curator Talk: “Musical Instruments of India” 1:00–1:45 p.m. Join Colin Pearson, MIM’s curator for Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East, for an exciting exploration of the rarest and most unusual Indian instruments in MIM’s collection. Learn some of the fascinating stories behind these instruments and their important connections to art, history, and mythology.
Sitar and Tabla Performance by Seema Gulati and Jyoti Prakash 2:00–2:45 p.m. Seema Gulati and Jyoti Prakash will delight you with their passion and talent, expanding your knowledge and appreciation of Hindustani music, the classical style of northern India. Gulati runs the Shahid Parvez Khan Academy of Music and has performed on sitar across the country. Prakash started learning tabla at a very early age from his father and has participated in numerous conferences and workshops in India and the United States.
Padma School of Odissi Dance Performance 3:30–4:15 p.m. Odissi is one of eight classical dance styles from India with roots in the eastern part of the country. It is often considered India’s oldest surviving dance form. Don’t miss this captivating performance directed by local artist Rajul Shah.
