Festival of India 2023 - Uptown Charlotte

  • Date: September 23, 2023
  • Location: Belk Theater - Uptown Charlotte
  • Tickets: $5 online, $6 at the Box Office. Online availability date will be posted as we get closer to the event date. 

Himalayas – a Vignette

  

Himalayas, a mountain range that spans some 1500 miles through Northern India, is home to some of the planet’s tallest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. The Himalayas cross over many countries: India, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Bhutan.

In Sanskrit Himalaya means “abode of snow” and for India in particular, it is truly a gift from nature as some of the great rivers like Ganges, Brahamputra, Jhelum etc. have originated from here and created societies over millennia.

The exhibit is a report by a Charlotte team who trekked to that  unforgiving region of the Himalayas near Everest and were captivated by the stunning landscapes, and the innocence and kindness of the people, who call that range in its foothills home.

Join us as we give you a glimpse of the region that most of us will never visit. While the images give us a small peek into the lives of these people, many questions remain, such as how they find food, water, and shelter. One can only imagine the kind of conditions that these people live through and the kind of spirit it takes to survive in that arctic environment without many modern facilities!

Journey of Cinema - Bollywood Style

  

Indian cinema or Bollywood as it is called, is a global phenomenon and Indian films cater to a global audience throughout south Asia and beyond in over 90 countries. Bollywood has over the years played a major role in entertaining millions with movies, from action, thriller, suspense, and romance to comedy. And today it annually produces more films than Hollywood. 

It is our privilege to take you thru this special exhibit, on a journey of Indian cinema

Cultural Exhibits: Gehne (Jewelry Of India)

    

Indian women share a deep connection with Jewelry as a significant adornment, that goes back in time. And as its value lies not only in preserving traditions, but also has some significance reflecting on many other social norms in their lives. 

Indian women love decorating themselves with many pieces of exquisite jewelry, following a rich heritage of customary traditions, and they attach a lot of value to each and every piece of jewelry. Jewelry is available in a wide variety of designs, reflecting the unique traditions and culture of  each state. Some of the most commonly worn jewelry by Indian women includes maangtika, nose rings, necklace, earrings, mangalsutra and bangles, and there is well accepted rationale behind each and every piece of jewelry that is worn by Indian women.

Sari

A very sensuous garment worn by women, the Sari consisting of a length of lightweight fabric with one end wrapped about the waist to form a skirt and the other draped over the shoulder or covering the head. Come to this exhibit and learn how to put on this native attire that flatters any shape!

   

   

Yoga Exhibit

Is a system of physical, mental and spiritual practices which have been traced back to pre-Vedic times (500 BCE) in the Indian subcontinent. Over the centuries, its practice has been adapted and assimilated by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Today, its use has become widespread among the religious and the secular alike. Displays in this exhibit cover a wide range of general themes like history of yoga and its different varieties and also more specific themes, like chakra and yogic therapies. Yoga experts will be at hand to answer your questions.

     

   

Mehndi

Is the application of Henna as a temporary form of body art sometimes called Henna Tattoos. Come have your hands adorned with intricate traditional patterns at minimal cost.