China had perfected the art of porcelain manufacturing long before the West, and by the 17th century the Dutch East India Company was supplying Europe with these beautiful wares, which represented refinement, taste, culture, and social level. Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in Germany was the first company in Europe to develop hard-paste porcelain and take it… Continue reading Meissen Porcelain at the Crocker Museum
Author: Utpalasia
Happy Holi!
Holi is celebrated this year on March 12 and 13, and people in Nepal, India, and Pakistan embrace the opportunity to paint one another with a brilliant palette of powdered colors and throw water balloons on unsuspecting passersby! The festival, also known as Phagu Purnima in Nepal, has a number of different legends associated with… Continue reading Happy Holi!
Losar Tashi Delek!
Happy Tibetan New Year! The year of the Fire Rooster promises to be a big one (the last one was in 1957!) Those born under this sign possess some hallmark qualities for success: courage, perseverance, resourcefulness, talent, an observant nature, trustworthiness, compassion, and (especially important in the working world) an amazing sense of time management.… Continue reading Losar Tashi Delek!
Kathmandu Celebrates Tihar!
Devotees celebrated Laxmi and cow puja yesterday, with many women creating beautiful rangoli designs, cleaning, and setting up multi-colored lights to invite the goddess of wealth into their homes. Today, Newars observe Mha puja, or worship of self. This will be followed by Bhai Tika, or offerings to brothers by sisters tomorrow. We wish everyone… Continue reading Kathmandu Celebrates Tihar!
A Happy Kukur Tihar to All our Four-Footed Friends!
Yampanchak Begins Today with Kaag Tihar
With Dashain behind us, Nepalis begin round two with the second most popular festival in the Himalayan nation – Tihar. People provide tender morsels for crows, hoping to avert grief and death in their homes. The black birds can be seen on virtually every rooftop, enjoying their meals and cawing with pleasure!
Bada Dashain Begins in Nepal – Happy Ghatasthapana!
People are celebrating Ghatasthapana with the planting of barley, rice, wheat, and corn seeds in a clay pot as part of a puja, or offering, in their homes. Sprouted seedlings are called jamara and will be offered as part of tika on Vijaya Dashami, or the main festival day, which occurs in ten days time. The… Continue reading Bada Dashain Begins in Nepal – Happy Ghatasthapana!
Happy International Interpreter & Translator Day!
What’s in a word? More than you think! Interpreters (spoken word) and translators (written word) are on the front lines of both hometown and international communication. Skilled wordsmiths with incredibly diverse backgrounds and specialties, they open up the world to new possibilities and greater understanding between people in business, government, academic institutions, sports, and virtually… Continue reading Happy International Interpreter & Translator Day!
Sheshnarayan Temple
Pharping lies in a beautiful green area beyond Chobar, and is highly sacred to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus alike. There you will find Sheshnarayan, one of the four most revered temples of Narayan, or Vishnu, in Nepal. The area is steeped in a blend of religion and lore where caves and cliffs form the backdrop… Continue reading Sheshnarayan Temple
Registration for Fall Classes Begins!
After a long, hot summer it’s time to get back into form with classes in Indian Kathak and Bollywood! So grab your dance bag, take off those shoes, strap on your ghungroos and make plans to attend India School’s 2016-2017 registration this coming Sunday, September 18, starting at 10 am. New and returning students will… Continue reading Registration for Fall Classes Begins!