|
|
|
|
 Submit
|
Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar
Published April 26th, 2023
Traditional dances performed during Miramonte's SSWANA Festival
By Emma Wong
Students Bela Patel and Kiran Nayyar perform at Miramonte's SSWANA Festival on April 14. Photo Emma Wong

At Miramonte's Wellness Center, traditional Hindu dance group Kalanjali Dances of India performed a Bharatanatyam-style movement for the district's South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (SSWANA) Festival.
Organized by students Leila Maboudian, Selma Ahmed, and Nilab Ahmed, the festival was the first of its kind to celebrate SSWANA heritage within the Acalanes Union High School District. Booths included traditional candies and pastries, educational posters, language-writing activities, and the hand decoration art mehndi/henna.
Guided by instructor Kali Futnani, the dance was performed in South Indian Bharatanatyam-style. Traditional Indian dances were banned and nearly lost as a result of British colonialism in South Asia; however, efforts to revive them led to a successful resurgence. The act performed at the festival, called Devi Neeye Thunai, centered on a narrative about Meenakshi, a Hindu warrior goddess.
Miramonte freshman Trisha Prabandham was one of the dancers. "It was a really fun experience, especially since we have another performance on April 30," Prabandham said.
"Dancing is a great way to learn more about my culture on deeper levels," Dublin High School freshman and dancer Kiran Nayyar said. "We learn so many different stories that we're continuing to pass down."
The festival celebrated SSWANA culture in Lamorinda and also spotlighted adversities that members of the group encounter. "We were proud to bring this festival to the campus," Maboudian said. "People were very respectful and made the event enjoyable. Respecting SSWANA culture and acknowledging the challenges we face can help people step into activism and advocacy."

print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:
This article was published on Page B2:
Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email		 Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA