Red sari-clad women are thronging Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu today to celebrate Teej through prayer, offerings, music, and dance. Teej is the beautiful festival in which women pray and make offerings to Lord Shiva for the their husband’s longevity, prosperity, and happiness. For unmarried women, it is hoped that this worship will lead to a… Continue reading Happy Teej!
Author: Utpalasia
Happy Buddha Jayanti!
Today we celebrate Buddha Jayanti. Celebrations were inaugurated in Lumbini, Nepal, birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the occasion was marked by the attendance of over 350 monks from 28 countries. Butter lamps were lit to commemorate the day. Followers of the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana sects also recited sermons of Lord Buddha.
International Dance Day 2016
April 29 is International Dance Day, the global celebration of poetic movement, rhythmic motion, and expressive artistry. No matter what the style, dance – like music – is a language of imagination, universally understood and appreciated. So put on your best shoes (or take them off!) and let the music and your inner fantasy take… Continue reading International Dance Day 2016
Happy Easter!
Happy Holi!
Wishing all of our families, friends, and students a very happy Holi, the festival of colors. Holi – or Phagu Purnima – celebrates the start of spring. Photo by National Geographic
Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum
Senior dancer, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, will be performing the Vajrayogini dance, a charya nritya, or meditative Buddhist dance, as part of Kites of Asia, a free family program at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum this Saturday from 10:30-3 pm. The Vajrayogini is a rare and beautiful dance in which the qualities of a… Continue reading Vajrayogini Dance at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum
It’s Nyepi! The Day of Silence in Bali
Nyepi, or the Saka New Year, arrives after the new moon in Bali, Indonesia. This year the holiday falls on March 9. Devotees participate in Hindu religious processions for three days prior to the festival. Nyepi Eve has a wide range of traditional customs including parades of the ogoh-ogoh (demons), village meetings, purification ceremonies, bhuta… Continue reading It’s Nyepi! The Day of Silence in Bali
Maha Shivaratri
Kathmandu is expecting over 1.1 devotees to throng Pashupatinath Temple on March 7, 2016 for Maha Shivaratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. People observe a fast and perform six rituals for purification and to show their virtue. Vigils are held on the temple… Continue reading Maha Shivaratri
Kites of Asia
Gather your family and friends and join us for Kites of Asia, a day of free family programs at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, including (of course!) amazing kites, Himalayan dance and music, performances, mask making, and more! Grab the kids for an unforgettable day of entertainment and discovery from 10:30 am to… Continue reading Kites of Asia
Visaic’s New EP Released!
The New Year is off to a great start: We’re just thrilled to be announcing the debut release of our own artist-in-residence, Visaic, today. Check out his album and collection of singles on https://visaic.bandcamp.com/, https://soundcloud.com/visaic, and https://goo.gl/9hak6L and more. We happen to think his original cover art is pretty amazing too. Congrats, V!