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.
Tag: himalayan
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
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
Celebrate Tihar, the Nepali Festival of Lights!
Come and join us as we partner with Curry in a Hurry in Dumfries, Virginia to celebrate Tihar (Deepawali) on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 6-8 pm. Bring your family and friends to hear traditional Himalayan music and see village folk dance while enjoying Newari specialties, such as choila, and other tempting Nepali and Indian… Continue reading Celebrate Tihar, the Nepali Festival of Lights!
Fall Classes at India School
Registration for Utpalasia’s Kathak and Bollywood classes takes place tomorrow, Sunday, September 13, at Thomas Pyle Middle School. Classes begin on September 20th and run through May 15, 2016. Fees and further information can be found here on the India School site. For questions concerning placement and proper student level, please contact us directly at info@utpalasia.org. We… Continue reading Fall Classes at India School
Utpalasia at The University of Heidelberg, Germany
The second part of our summer in Europe was spent at the University of Heidelberg’s Southeast Asia Institute attending the Intensive Nepali program. Our thanks, appreciation, and respect to Professor Laxmi Nath Shrestha who made this session truly extraordinary. His devotion to the study of the Nepali language was absolutely inspiring! In addition to participating in… Continue reading Utpalasia at The University of Heidelberg, Germany
NDS & YAV at The Hill School
NDS will be presenting a full day of Himalayan dance and music at The Hill School in Middleburg on March 12th. This program is part of our series created for Young Audiences of Virginia and will be exploring some of the similarities, influences, and exchanges between Nepal, Tibet, and China. Performances will include rare Buddhist… Continue reading NDS & YAV at The Hill School
New Vintage Himalaya Items on Etsy!
We’ve recently added some exquisite vintage items to our beautiful collection of Himalayan jewelry and handicrafts on Etsy. Check out our traditional and updated styles of pote bead necklaces and earrings, sterling silver designer creations, clay incense burners, and Tibetan prayer flags! Every item in our shop, Yak Yak Yak Nepal, has a rich story… Continue reading New Vintage Himalaya Items on Etsy!