Author Lavina Melwani

Lavina Melwani is a New York-based journalist who writes for several international publications. Twitter@lavinamelwani & @lassiwithlavina Sign up for the free newsletter to get your dose of Lassi!

Books
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When the writer Gita Mehta was growing up in Orissa, a small ancient image of Ganesha was unearthed in a mound of dirt as the foundations of their family home were being laid. “I’ve always kept the Ganesha which came out of my parents’ home,” confided Mehta when I interviewed her once in New York. “That is the one image that goes with me wherever I go. He came out of the Indian soil so to me he’s like an umbilical cord that connects me to India. So it doesn’t matter where I live – he is my India.” A lovely book from 2009, to check out this Ganesh Chathurthi.

Faith
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This isn’t Kashi or Prayag but thousands of devotees clog the streets, dancing and chanting as Ganesha’s Ratha Yatra takes place – in Queens, New York. Yes, this pilgrimage spot happens to be in Flushing, Queens, and people came to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi from as far as California, Florida, Texas, Atlanta – and even India!

It is Lord Ganesha’s birthday and everyone is invited to this giant block party. Over 50,000 lunches are prepared; there are hundreds of pounds of sweets and hundreds of gallons of rose milk. About 20,000 people turn up over the course of nine days at the Hindu Temple Society of North America. (Photo: Chirag D. Shah)

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Immigrants often cry for the moon – for the lost rhythms of a disappeared homeland, for loved, remembered sounds and tastes. Well, this summer season, a full golden moon is coming right into their embrace in the shape of Drive East, a unique festival of the arts which brings music and dance from across India into their New York neighborhood.

While slowly the arts of India have infiltrated the US, some dance traditions are rarer than others. When did you last see Sattriya, the 600-year-old dance from the Vaishnavite monasteries of Northeast India, live in New York? This wonderful dance form is just one of many which will be showcased in Navatman’s Drive East concerts.
(Sponsored Content: Smart Tips That You Can Use.)

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Gods and kings, past and present, tradition and modernity all merged in ‘Mystic India: The World Tour’ at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. This was the first Broadway style Bollywood inspired extravaganza to debut at NJPAC.

For many young Indian-Americans the show was a reaffirmation of their culture and for mainstream Americans it was an introduction to the vibrant colors, dance and music of India. The show, created by Amit Shah and the Aatma Performing Arts, features passionate dancers, musicians, and acrobats.

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Missing India? Love Bollywood? Want to know more about the music and dance of different regions of the home country?

Well, now you can travel back to India without a passport or air-ticket – by way of New Jersey!

Imagine over 60 dancers, acrobats and musicians taking you on a wonderful journey to India, fueled by music and dance. The event is Mystic India: The World Tour at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Prudential Hall on March 8th for one performance only, by the noted choreographer Amit Shah, director of Aatma Performing Arts.
(Sponsored Content – Tips that You Can Use)

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Have you always wanted to have a fabulous, grand slam Big Fat Indian Wedding but have been stopped by one minor detail – the fact that you still haven’t found a significant other, bride or groom?

Well, no worries – entrepreneur Preeti Shah has taken care of that too! She has an innovative concept – Shaadi Chic – a creative bridal expo where you not only catch up on all the latest wedding trends and flavors but also get a chance to perhaps meet the right person to have that wedding with!

Sponsored Content – Tips You Can Use.

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Is there a desi who doesn’t love to dance? Indeed, dance moves and music are embedded in our DNA!
Knowing that, Lufthansa, the International Carrier with the local touch, has launched a fun MoveWithUs promotion with a dedicated microsite to maximize the fun of the upcoming Holiday Season for the whole family.

And now – here are the top 10 reasons for joining in the celebration of Indian dance at Lufthansa’s LH.com/MoveWithUs
(Sponsored Content)

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Where does that gorgeous Indian outfit go after you’ve worn it? I think all of us have faced this dilemma – spending a fortune on an Indian ensemble and not wanting to repeat it again. What do you do with such ornate outfits and how do you get new ones without spending more money?

Dina Patel, a very successful investment banker has used her business smarts to come up with the perfect solution for you! Turning entrepreneur, she’s created Didi’s Wardrobe – a reseller of new and gently used Indian clothing and accessories – in America!
This is what we call reincarnation – the American way! (Sponsored Content – Tips You Can Use)

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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“To see the dancers performing among trees at Battery Park, the many members of the public stopping to watch and take photographs – some even during their lunch-time jogging – was quite remarkable. Rama Vaidyanathan did her ‘Mayuri Alaripu’ in a Peacock Feather Suite that was designed for the venue and looks wonderful in it. Vijaya Lakshmi, too, did a peacock dance, but we were happy that it did NOT usher in any rain!” Guest Blog

24/7 Talk is Cheap - The Blog
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Foodie Alert! For those who love good food – a great new way to get it! Here are the Top Ten Reasons for Getting MyPref!
10. Missing Ma? Longing for your mom’s daal makhani or mattar paneer? No one can match that but MyPref will get you the closest match at hundreds of Indian restaurants. (Sponsored)

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