Utpalasia was proud to be a part of the 33rd Annual UMW Multicultural Festival on Saturday. Although the rain drove performances inside, audiences were ready to enjoy Bollywood and Kathak fusion songs along with an Aamaachori – ‘mother and daughter’ – traditional Himalayan folk number. Special thanks to @tasherit.sturmdahal and our partner organization @amindforchange for… Continue reading Cultural Festival 2023
Category: Festivals
Dance Day 2022
Time to celebrate another year of creativity, energy, and passion for dance by getting out there and moving to your own beat or with like-minded enthusiasts in a class or workshop. To get you inspired, he’s a peek at a classic Bollywood wedding medley with choregrapher, Tasherit Sturm Dahal, and talented young dancer, Azaarine! https://bit.ly/3KntW3m… Continue reading Dance Day 2022
UMW Festival
Thanks to all who turned out for the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Festival. After a hiatus of two years, we were eager to hit the stage again and audience enthusiasm was as energetic as the dance performances!
Pandit ji Birju Maharaj Passes
The foremost master of classical Indian Kathak dance, Pandit ji Birju Maharaj, passed away on January 17, 2022. He gave the world a unique glimpse of master storytelling through dance with skill, finesse, and beauty. Born into the most prestigious family of Kathak artists – Shambhu Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, and Acchan Maharaj – he was… Continue reading Pandit ji Birju Maharaj Passes
The Gau: Portable Sacred Space of the Himalayas
Vintage Himalayan jewelry is in a class by itself. It has flourished in land-locked societies, in middle hill villages, on steep and stark plateaus, on the Earth’s highest peaks, and in green and fertile flatland. It has been traded and bartered, passed down and upcycled. Craftsmanship skills are passed from generation to generation, but this… Continue reading The Gau: Portable Sacred Space of the Himalayas
Nepal’s Tihar in a Nutshell
Tihar is a five day festival celebrated in Nepal. The first day is dedicated to the crow (or kaag) who is seen as the messenger of death. The second day focuses on the dog (or kukur). Dogs are believed to lead the souls of the dead to the underworld. They are also honored as trusted… Continue reading Nepal’s Tihar in a Nutshell
Dashain Aayo!
It’s holiday time again in Nepal! Navaratri has begun and people are on the move to rejoin their families and friends for the largest Hindu festival of the year. Bus tickets have sold out and local bazaars are jammed with enthusiastic holiday shoppers looking for traditional gifts of clothing and accessories for their loved ones.… Continue reading Dashain Aayo!
Multicultural Festival 2019
Bring the family for an incredible day of fun, food, and entertainment as the University of Mary Washington presents its 2019 Multicultural Festival, rain or shine. Shop with hundreds of vendors from around the world, watch diverse music performances, eat delicious specialties, and participate in free workshops for all ages. Kids have a dedicated activity… Continue reading Multicultural Festival 2019
Spring Performances
Spring is a wonderful time to get motivated, energized, and ready to hit the outdoors and the warmer weather. Bring the family and enjoy performances and workshops in Kathak, Bollywood, and Himalayan folk dance at one of our many events. Next up – UMW’s Multicultural Festival on April 13. Mark your calendars now!
Holi Hai! Celebrate with Us!
Come and enjoy cultural performances, great food, stalls, and the beloved colored powder festival that follows Durga Temple’s Holi celebration on Saturday March 30 from 2-6 pm. See you there!