ISW President's Message
Dear ISW Supporters
November has been a whirlwind of Diwali activities at ISW and we hope you enjoy this issue as it tries to give you a flavor of all the festivities. For the first time members could visit Tower hill Botanic Gardens and view the scintillating lights of Diwali twinkling much like at home in India. We thank Tower Hill staff for this opportunity and we hope it leads to a long and fruitful partnership. We would also like to take a moment to thank all the volunteers, performers, vendors and supporters, without whose help these events would not have been possible.
As we approach the year end, we look forward to the Annual ISW Christmas event on December 11th. Details are in the newsletter and on the ISW website. As always, feel free to reach out to me with any ideas or suggestions.
Puneet Kohli, President India Society of Worcester
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Once upon a time there was a tiny group of dedicated desi families in the then remote suburbs around Worcester who used to get together for a potluck dinner and puja at Diwali. Now fast forward to the present and that legacy lives on with ISW celebrating Diwali in the community with not one but four Diwali celebrations. Here is a recap of the Diwali events in November with links to photos and videos for those who might missed them. We hope you enjoy them! (Rangoil design at left created at Tower Hill by Anu DebRoy) |
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DIWALI AT WORCESTER ART MUSEUM |
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DIWALI at WAM
For the fifth year, ISW partnered with the Worcester Art Museum (WAM) to host Diwali at WAM on November 7th. Over 800 visitors were entertained with dances, music and interactive activities. Amita Rao, Chair, ISW Cultural Committee welcomes the audience
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Gorgeous Saree Fashion Show
The audience at WAM was treated to a beautiful collection of sarees in a fashion show spanning the range of designs across India. The show was organized by Kajal Dixit, and narrated by Arathi Cowlagi with ISW volunteers modeling the designs. Click on image above to view the video.
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Dances and Music
Dancers performed a range of items with performers of all ages exhibiting their dance repertoire. Watch the video by clicking the image above and more videos at the ISW Facebook page.
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Over a hundred devoted ISW members joined in prayer and praise for a Diwali Laxmi Puja at the newly reopened ISW India Center on November 7th in the evening. Coordinated by Nisha Bawa, ISW Religious Chair, and sponsored by the Kohli family. More Photos and Videos at the ISW Facebook Page.
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DIWALI CULTURAL PROGRAM ONLINE |
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On November 13th, a scintillating display of dance, music and entertainment captured the spirit of Diwali with the theme of "Deep se Deep Jale, Dil se Dil Mile" providing over two hours of entertaining programming. Who said the ISW EB can't dance? Take a look at the videos online at the ISW Facebook page.
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DIWALI LIGHTS AT TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDENS |
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For the very first time, ISW partnered with the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston to host Diwali Lights at the Tower Hill on November 20th. Over 800 attendees wandered through the gardens lit up with hundreds of lights illuminating the gardens and reminisced about Diwali as it was celebrated in India. A variety of dances, music and delicious Indian food added to the festive atmosphere. Visitors could shop at a bazaar, get a henna tattoo or attend informative sessions on Indian plants at Tower Hill, as well as Ayurveda. More photos on ISW Facebook.
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ISW UPCOMING EVENTS
ISW Christmas
December 11th 2021, 4:30 pm
Save the date for ISW's annual Christmas event with songs and celebrations in many languages, Indian food plus gifts from Santa! Register to attend this FREE in person event which will strictly be limited to first 150 registrations to follow CDC guidelines.
ISW Professional and Entrepreneurial Networking (PEN) Event:
Launching your own small business - from your basement to market
December 18th 2021, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
ISW India Center, 152 Main St. Shrewsbury
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ISW Women Empowering Women (WEW): The Art of Self-portrayal: Defining your presence
January 8th, 2022 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
ISW India Center, 152 Main St. Shrewsbury
How we show up in the world matters. Whether it be interacting with family and friends, or connecting with professional colleagues, it takes effort to create a lasting impression. Register to get together and empower ourselves with the art of self-representation.
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ISW UNIVERSITY
Thank you to IYG Tutors as they raise funds for ISW programs.
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Kunal & Sunny are winding up their popular sessions on Lego Robotics and will be offering a second session starting December 4th. Click here to register.
- We are also delighted that our Chess for Beginners started with six students and will continue until December.
- We are happy to announce that we hope to add online Meditation Classes and Quilting next Spring.
Thanks: Usha Yadav, Tanvi Gahlot & Shiamin Melville
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ISW SYMPHONY
Newly formed Dhol Tasha Lezim group has folks dancing in the street
Named after the instruments played – Dhol a heavy bass drum carried over the shoulder, Tasha a smaller snare drum worn around the waist, and Lezim a set of small cymbals tied to a wooden handle – the Dhol Tasha Lezim group was formed as part of ISW’s new Symphony initiative. It is open to anyone interested in learning about this drumming and dance tradition. You can sign up for the workshop on the ISW Website. Read more in this article on Lokvani.
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ISW CULTURAL & LANGUAGE SCHOOL NEWS
Kannada and Sanskrit Classes Interest Survey
If you or your child is interested in taking beginner's classes in Sanskrit or Kannada, please complete this survey.
Ruchi Chauhan & Shiamin Melville
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Contact Information
India Society of Worcester
Mailing Address: PO Box 136, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
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Answering Machine: 508-842-9795
Website: www.iswonline.org
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