Continuing a Way of Life

Aditi Shah

Being Indian (South Asian) in America  To retain background and culture  To embrace their roots  Build an identity that includes their heritage  Done in various ways…

Temples  Crucial aspect of Hinduism – Most commonly followed religion  “Today, the Hindu gods and their powerful places of worship in India have been transposed to the West” (Eck 77)  Built in many cities across the nation

Kashi Vishvanatha Temple Flint, Michigan

Vraj – Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania – re-creation of lord Krishna’s mythological homeland

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)  Bartlett, Illinois

Inside (BAPS)

Inside (BAPS)

Holidays and Festivals  Coincide with religion  Gather mainly in temples for celebration  Honor tradition 

Navratri

,

Diwali

,

Bestu Varas

, and

Holi

– The major ones

   “Nine Nights”

Navratri

honors the Mother Goddess, Durga Dance in celebration

 Festival of lights – Earthen lamps – fireworks

Diwali

 Spring holiday Holi

Dance  Regional – Bhangra (Punjabi) – Garba-Raas (Navratri)  Classical – Bharat Natyam – Kathakali

Bhangra

Garba-Raas

Bharat Natyam