Raja Ravi Varma
Varma is one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art.  Varma traveled all over India and evolved a national style of painting.  He came from the princely state of Travancore and achieved recognition for his depiction of scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. 

Varma’s paintings are considered to be among the best examples of the fusion of Indian traditions with techniques from European academic art.  He is most remembered for his paintings of beautiful sari-clad women.

Amrita Sher-Gil
Sher-Gil is one of India’s greatest female artists, with over 100 of her paintings displayed at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.  The daughter of a Sikh aristocrat and Jewish Opera singer, Sher-Gil was born and spent most of her childhood in Budapest, Hungry.  At the age of 8 her family moved to Shimla, India, where she began to learn to formally paint.  At 16 she sailed to Europe with her mother and began to formally train in Paris.

Sher-Gil’s earlier paintings display Western modes of paintings, but when she later returned to India, her rediscovery of the Indian traditions of art is apparent in her work.

F.N. Souza
Born in Goa, India, Souza founded the Progressive Artists’ Group with SH Raza to encourage Indian artists to participate in the international avant-garde.  After India’s independence, Souza moved to London and ultimately settled in New York.  Souza was one of the first post-independence Indian artists to receive recognition in the West.

The subjects covered in Souza’s paintings often comprise of still life, landscape, nudes and icons of Christianity and there is a visible influence of the folk art of Goa.  The figures, however, are deliberately distorted and reveal an uninhibited style, demonstrating Souza’s rebel and non conformist views.

S.H. Raza
Raza has lived in France since the 50s but still hold strong ties to India.  He is also a former member of the Progressive Artists’ Group.

Raza is a nature based painter who evolved from painting expressionistic landscapes to abstract ones.  Raza abandoned the expressionistic landscape for a geometric abstraction and the Bindu, which Raza perceives as the center of creation and existence.

M.F. Hussain
MF Hussain is considered to be Indian’s leading artist and according to Forbes magazine, is the “Picasso of India.”  He is India’s highest paid painter and a painting of his have sold for over $2 million at Christies.  In the 90s some of Hussain’s works became controversial because of their portrayal of Hindu deities in the nude.  As a result his house was attacked and series of charges were brought against him, forcing him to flee the country.

MF Hussain was one of the early joiners of the Progressive Artists’ Group of Bombay.  Hussain’s multi-faceted personality is displayed in most of his pieces, where he uses vibrant colors and a mysterious painting style.

Artistic Director, Payal Kadakia and Associate Artistic Director, Drasti Panchal, began the company with the mission to increase awareness of Indian dance in the mainstream and serve as a platform for expressing the Indian-American identity through dance.
 
The Friday Opening Night event will feature a speech by Guest of Honor, Academy Award nominated Hollywood filmmaker Mira Nair, who directed Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake and Amelia, amongst other acclaimed films.

“If you’re looking for snap, grace and crackle in dance, then look no further than The Sa Dance Company.  Their foundation is ancient, and their form utterly modern,” said Mira Nair.

In less than a year, The Sa Dance Company has become one of New York City’s most renowned Indian dance companies.  Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the expression an identity many of us associate with in this completely unique and exciting forum.

Show Times & Pricing

Friday, May 14th at 8:00pm – $25 (includes appearance by Mira Nair)
Saturday, May 15th at 2:00pm – $25
Saturday, May 15th at 8:00pm – $35 (includes Closing Night receptions)

Buy your tickets here.

On December 18, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem All Star Big Band will put on a concert led by swing master and tenor saxophonist Loren Schoenberg. New York-based salsa drummer Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache perform on January 22, and the Sunny Jain Quartet, which played at the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway, star on February 12.

Tickets cost $18 dollars in advance and $20 at the door, and if you become a museum member you can get up to 25% off. For more information and a complete concert schedule, call the Rubin Museum of Art.

Rubin Museum of Art
150W 17^th Street
New York, NY
(212) 620 50344

The MIAAC opened last night with Today’s Special written by New York natives Aasif Mandvi and Jonathan Bines, and starring cinematic legends Naseeruddin Shah and Madhur Jaffrey. If you don’t recognize the name Aasif Mandvi, you will definitely recognize his face as that South-Asian guy on The Daily Show. This food comedy set in Jackson Heights, Queens, was inspired by Aasif’s Obie award-winning play, Sukina’s Restaurant.

The red carpet at the Paris Theater for the opening of this film festival was lined with celebrities. In addition to Aasif Mandvi and Madhur Jaffrey, independent Indian cinema icon, Shabana Azmi, and her famous lyricist husband, Javed Akhtar, were in attendance.  Acclaimed directors, Mira Nair, Shyam Benegal and Deepti Naval; Bollywood sweetheart, Manisha Koirala, and a member of the New York South-Asian literati, Suketu Mehta also graced screening and after-party with their presence.

Fret not if you missed opening night because this festival’s centerpiece, Tahaan, as well as closing night feature, Antaheen: The Endless Wait (starring the Helen Mirren and Ellen Burstyn of Bollywood: Aparna Sen and Sharmila Tagore) offer opportunities to view fantastic films and  rub elbows with established Indian filmmakers, actors andand rising stars. 

These intense, independent films call you to action and compel further discussion; however, if you are seeking more light-hearted fare, the festival does not leave you wanting.  City Saheli recommends a double-feature: Bollywood Beats and Bombay Summer on Friday, November 13 at Quad Cinemas on 13th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues as an alternative to the generic, Hollywood, horror flicks.

There is no shortage of selections, so check out the film festival website for a full schedule as well as show times and ticket purchases. 

Sidebar: There will be discussions about the art, culture, and politics of Indian cinema presented by MIAAC in conjunction with NYU which will include experts on panels exploring issues of interest on these topics. A ticket stub to any of the films gains the general public free admission.  Check out the link to the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU for more on that.   

In Search of Vernacular is the journey toward a visual language that gives voice to the post-modernist landscape of South-Asia.  In the aftermath of occupation, the sub-continent made strides to establish not just government and rebuild an authentic way of life; it also began the long process of realizing its unique artistic vision. 

Priyanka Matthew schooled us on Indian artists, when she revealed, “This is a rare chance to see Abanindranath Tagore and Nadalal Bose paintings outside of India.”  Like many “Primitivist” artists, Abanindranath Tagore rejected Western influence in an effort to create a unique pan-Asian art. His style references Mughal paintings in a deliberate attempt to cultivate indigenous work in contrast to occidental art.

Another featured artist, Jamini Roy’s early career was heavily influenced by post-impressionists like Seurat and Van Gogh but as he developed his craft he turned away from Western Modernism and drew inspiration from within Kalighat temples. This gradual shift from outward to inward is symbolic of a frequently expressed result of post-colonial life: the internalization of Western means which must eventually be shelved to expose the truth of Eastern origins.

These are just a few of the Masters whose paintings are installed at the gallery for the next month. Check out the opening reception on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 6-8pm at Aicon Gallery located at 35 Great Jones Way in New York City.

In Search of the Vernacular

Featuring M. F. Husain, Jamini Roy, Anjolie Ela Menon, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Abindranath Tagore, Nadalal Bose, Sadequain, F. N. Souza, Jagdish Swaminathan, S. H. Raza & Laxma Goud.

Opening Reception: November 12, 2009 6-8pm
Closing Date: December 12, 2009

Aicon Gallery
35 Great Jones Way
New York, NY 10012
www.aicongallery.com
212-725-6092

The Tradition:  Sending Wishes

Tis the season to spread love, joy and well wishes.  Often people send an email, an SMS or the more traditional card to family and friends to wish them a happy Diwali, a prosperous new year, and a Sal Mubarak (Happy New Year).

CitySaheli found some places where you can order lovely original cards to send to family and friends.  If you are short on time, e-cards are also a great way to show your loved ones that you are thinking of them. 

CitySaheli’s picks:

Tinyprints

3BeesPaperie

Hallmark E-cards & Blue Mountain E-cards
 

The Tradition: Buying Steel and Gold on Dhanteras

Dhanetaras is an auspicious day when millions of Hindus pay homage to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.  Many followers buy steel gadgets for the kitchen, while others buy gold or silver on this day.  According to tradition, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home to upkeep, since it is where food is made. As such, steel items such as pots and pans are purchased.  Some also buy gold or silver for good luck.

Bored of pots and pans?  Spice up your Dhanteras this year with some new and different kitchen wear.

Alessi (Known for great Italian designs in steel)
130 Greene St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-7300

If you don’t have one, consider adding a Dutch oven.

Williams Sonoma (multiple locations within Manhattan)
Bed Bath & Beyond (multiple locations within Manhattan)

Michael Aram creates beautiful pieces for the home, many with an Eastern flare.  This designer’s work makes a fantastic Diwali gift or a great addition to your own home.

Michael Aram Flagship
136 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

Jewelry is a gift loved by all and a great gift to give during the Diwali season.  Check out Waris Ahluwalia, who has designed jewelry influenced by the Sikh culture.  His work can be found at Barneys.

Barneys
660 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065

Another great spot to check out if you want to give jewelry – Fragments.  This spot houses the top jewelry designers under one roof. 

Fragments
116 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-9588

The Tradition: Giving Sweets

Sweets are a staple in any South Asian cultural celebration and are eaten throughout the Diwali season.  Often families and friends visit each other to share sweets they have made or purchased to wish each other well for the new year to come. 

If you can’t make it, buy it.  Citysaheli has found some shops in Manhattan that sell scrumptious Indian delicacies.  If you aren’t a fan of South Asian sweets, be creative.  From macaroons to homemade truffles, New York is home to some of the of the best candy makers and chocolatiers in the world.

South Asian Sweet Shops

Sukhadia 
17 West 45th Street
New York City,  NY
(between 5th and 6th Avenue)
212-395-7300

Rajbhog (multiple locations outside of Manhattan)

Usha Food (this is great for savory snacks as well)
25503 Hillside Ave
Floral Park, NY 11004-1615
718-343-3217

Non-South Asian Sweets

Check this out for divine chocolates:

Kee’s Chocolates (multiple locations in Manhattan)

For French macaroon lovers:

MacarOn Café
161 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
T/F (212) 564-3525 

The Tradition: Gifting Gifts of All Types

Many families and friends exchange gifts for Diwali.  Usually elders give money to the younger generation, whether siblings, children or grand children.  Many times, parents gift their children new clothes or new toys, as Diwali is the time for new beginnings.  Candles are also a staple gift, since Diwali after all is the festival of lights! 

Specialty Candles We Love:

Sixth Sense
324 W 49th Street
New York, NY 10019-7312

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019

To help our sahelis, CitySaheli has compiled a guide to hosting your own Diwali puja (prayer service).  Below is some background on the five holy days and steps on how to conduct a puja, as contributed by a local Hindu priest.  Please note that there are different ways of conducting Diwali pujas and we encourage all of you to share in our forums under the Diwali section.

Stayed tuned for more Diwali related articles this week.  Happy Diwali!

The Five Days of Diwali

Dhanteras (Thursday, October 15 2009), the first day of Diwali, marks the beginning of the festivities.  For some, this is a day set aside to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth.  Dhanteras prasad (sweets offered at the worship time) is offered to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death, to pray for protection from untimely death.

On the second day of Diwali, Kali, the goddess of strength is worshipped.  This day is focused on abolishing laziness and evil.

Likely the most celebrated day of Diwali is the third day, or Lakshmi Puja.  Families often join together on this day, sometimes with their priest, to worship the goddess Lakshmi for blessings of wealth and prosperity and the triumph of good over evil. Also, as this the last day on the lunar calendar, parties are held at night to welcome the New Year.

The fourth day, Padwa & Govardhan Puja, falls on the first day of the lunar calendar.  On this day old business accounts are settled, new business books are opened and Govardhan puja is performed.

Bhai Duj, the fifth and final day of Diwali, brother’s often visit sister’s to ensure and inquire as to their well being.  On this day the sister prays for her brother’s safety, success, and well being.

Lakshmi Puja at Home

Below is a guide to hosting a puja at your home.  As regions and families often have different customs, use this as a guide and modify according to your traditions.

Spread a new cloth on a raised platform and place a handful of grains in the center and, on this, place a kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water and place a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains in it. Arrange five kinds of leaves or mango leaves in the kalash. Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder (haldi) over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.

Place the idol of Ganesha in front of the kalash, on the right (South-West direction), place the idol of Ganesha. Also place ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform. Light a lamp and begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed. Then offer haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the water that is to be used for the puja. Invoke the river goddesses to be part of this water.

Invoke goddess Lakshmi by reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her. One can also recite the mantras mentioned in the Puranas or simply take some flowers in your hands, close your eyes, and think of goddess Lakshmi being showered with gold coins by two elephants standing on either side of Her and chant Her name. Then offer the flowers to the idol.

Place the idol of Lakshmi in a plate and bathe it with water, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey, and sugar) and then with water containing some gold ornament or a pearl. Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the kalash.  Alternately, you can just sprinkle water and panchamrit on the idol with a flower.

Offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume (itr), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the goddess. Offer a garland of cotton beads to the goddess. Offer flowers, especially the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree). Light an incense stick and dhoop. Make an offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and tambul. Make an offering of puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice, batasha, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds over the idol.

Perform the aarti for goddess Lakshmi (see below). The aarti should be accompanied by a small bell creating a peaceful and sublime atmosphere during the pujan.

Maa Lakshmi Aarti (may differ based on your traditions)

Jai lakshmi maata, Maiyaa jaya lakshmi maataa
Tumako nishadina dhyaavata, Hara Vishnu vidhaataa

“Glory to you, O Mother, glory to you, mother Lakshmi. Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma meditate on you everyday and night.”

Brahmaanii, rudraanii, kamalaa, Tuuhii hai jaga maataa
Suurya chandramaa dhyaavata, Naarada rishi gaataa

“You are yourself the consort of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu and the mother of the world. The sage Narada sings your praises and the Sun and the Moon meditate on you.”

Durgaa ruupa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
Jo koi tumako dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paata

“As Durga, you grant both happiness and prosperity; and he who centers his attention on you becomes a recipient of all riddhis and siddhis-Prosperity and Accomplishment.”

Tuuhii hai paataala basantii, Tuuhii shubha daataa
Karma prabhaava prakaashaka, Jaganidhi ke traataa

“None but you dwell in the nether regions of the earth and you alone ensure good luck, bring to light the effect of Karma (action) and protect all worldly treasures.”

Jisa ghara mein tuma rahatii, saba sadaguna aataa
Kara sake koii kare le, mana nahin ghabaraataa

“All the virtues collect themselves where you have your dwelling ; with your grace and favour even the impossible becomes possible without causing any nervous agitation.”

Tuma bina yagya na hove, Vastra na koii paataa
Khaana paana kaa vaibhava, Saba tumase hii aataa

“No sacrifice can be performed without you (your grace), no one can obtain any garment (to cover his body); it is from you that one obtains one’s sustenance (food and drink).”

Shubha guna mandira sundara, Kshirodadhi jaataa
Ratana chaturdasha tuma hii, Koii nahiin paataa

“O daughter of the Ocean of Milk and the beauteous temple of all propitious virtues, you are a living mass of all the fourteen gems with which none else is endowed.”

Aartii lakshmii jii kii, Jo koii nara gaataa
Ura aananda umanga ati, Paapa utara jaataa

“Whosoever hymns this prayer to Lakshmi is purged of his sins and experiences the ecstasy of joy.”

Many of us know about the tradition since it’s often shown in Bollywood movies or we observed our mother’s following it.  Today, Karva Chauth is not only practiced by women, but men as well.  Some husbands join their wives and keep them company for this long fast.  This became increasingly popular after the release of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, where the character Raj also fasted for his love Simran in the movie.  

To provide a better understanding of Karwa Chauth, CitySaheli asked some practitioners about exactly what the day entails.      

What is Karwa Chauth?

Karwa Chauth is a one day fast that prohibits the consumption of food and water.  The ritual signifies extreme love and devotion by a wife to her husband.

What does the festival entail?

Married women eat food early in the morning, before sunrise, which is known as sargi.  Usually, the mother-in-law sends sargi, which includes various foods and sweets for the wife to eat before the fast in the morning.   

Historically, the morning passes by with other festive activities like decorating hands and feet with henna and meeting friends and relatives.  During the day, women get ready for the religious ceremony and the breaking of the fast.  Henna is commonly applied as women get prepared to look beautiful in the evening.

Ceremony

In the late afternoon women gather at a common place like a temple, a garden or a home where the evening prayer has been arranged. An elderly lady or the pujarin (priest) narrates the legend of Karwa Chauth.  The essentials of this gathering are listening to the Karwa Chauth story, a special mud pot, that is considered a symbol of lord Ganesha, a metal urn filled with water, flowers, idols of Ambika Gaur Mata, Goddess Parwati and some fruits and food grains. A part of this is offered to the deities and the storyteller. Everyone lights an earthen lamp in their thalis (dish) while listening to the Karwa story. Sindoor, incense sticks and rice are also kept in the thali.

Once the moon rises, the women see its reflection in a thali of water or through a sieve. They offer water to the moon and seek blessings. They pray for the safety, prosperity and long life of their husbands. This marks the end of the day long fast and the celebration begins. 

Karwa Chauth Today

Historically, Karwa Chauth was an opportunity for the new wife of the house to become closer to the women in the home and the neighborhood.  It also gave women a good reason to get dressed up in beautiful garb and jewelry.  Traditionally, woman’s emotions for her husband (and vice versa) were not shown, but in the the moon ceremony, love and adoration is displayed.  Today, many carry on the tradition.  Often men fast as well because they too want to endure the same sacrifice as their wives.  The holiday brings together women and men in a lovely celebration of love and life. 

Diwali Family Day is taking place at the Asia Society and will include a festive afternoon of special performances, music workshops, and arts and crafts.  The schedule for the day is as follows:

Ramayana: 1:00 – 1:45 pm (Auditorium)

Performed and choreographed by Smt. Swati G Bhise accompanied by a Sanskriti orchestra ensemble.

Activities from 1:00 – 4:00 pm (8th Floor)

Create a Diya Workshop: Learn about the significance of the diya while making your very own to take home.

Play the Tabla: A celebration is not complete without music to fill the air! Try your hands at playing the tabla with a professional tabla player.

Design a Diwali Greeting Card: Exchange warm wishes with loved ones with a lovely hand-made greeting card.

Try a Traditional Indian Sweet: During Diwali, sweets are often kept on hand and served all day long when expected or unexpected guests come to visit.

Make a Flower: Flowers and flower motifs, which symbolize life and prosperity, are frequently used during Diwali to adorn homes and pay homage to the gods.

The Diwali Mela is the second biggest Indian themed event in New York with festivities including cultural music and dance, vendors selling jewelry and clothing, and food from numerous regions.  Don’t miss the grand finale fireworks display after sunset.

We can’t imagine a better way to enjoy the weekend!

What’s Lakshya?  This very cool organization is run by children who live on the streets of Delhi, India.  Most of these children earn a living through pulling rickshaws or polishing shoes while they should be going to school and playing.  This youth has come together to help the younger generation.  Their vision is an inclusive society for street children where they can get shelter, education and employment.  They also strive for a more eco-friendly atmosphere.

To raise money for their cause, this group sells colorful inexpensive bags.  The look – Vera Bradley meets jute.  It’s a cool product and a little of your money sure goes a long way.  Their hip, cool, biodegradable, not very expensive and save lives.

Right now these bags are not found in the US, but we are hoping that changes soon.  Presently, you can find them next to St. Mary’s Covent School, Village Bhatola, Tigaon Road, Faridabad (Haryana) India.

For more information email lakshyabk@indiatimes.com