Seattle Center Festal Promotes South Asian Performing Arts, 10/9-10

Seattle Center Festál: Utsav South Asian Performing Arts Festival, Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10, 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., promotes the understanding and appreciation of the performing arts of India and neighboring countries while presenting the best in traditional and contemporary arts.

Presented in Seattle since 2004, this festival of music and dance of India provides an inspiring introduction for communities that are not familiar with this culture. It also serves as an outlet for the diasporic community of East Indian heritage in the region to honor the cultural traditions during this time of the year.

Utsav 2010 showcase four types of pure Indian classical dances, folk dances from states of Punjab, Maharashtra and Assam along with modern Bollywood dances.  In addition, Utsav features Carnatic (South Indian) and Hindustani (North Indian) vocal recitals accompanied by instruments.

The 22 Festál cultural celebrations highlight The Common forms of tradition and expression among ethnic communities in the Pacific Northwest, while underscoring their unique creative contributions, customs, foods and ideals. Our 2010 "did you know" will explore some of these commonalities and differences.
 
Did you know?  Blue, red and yellow are the colors of the culture. The most popular foods are rice, fish, curried chicken, spiced vegetables, lentils in different forms, Naan (bread) and sweets. In India, one of the world's largest democracy, cultural pride is felt through the expression of ancient cultures and tolerance. Traditionally to present, the livelihood comes from agriculture and spices (pepper, ginger, cloves and nutmeg), manufactured textiles, high-tech goods and automobiles. Oil reserves are present in region.

Seattle Center Festál: Utsav South Asian Performing Arts Festival is presented by Seattle Center in partnership with the Ragamala. For a full event schedule, visit www.ragamala.org, and for more information on this cultural series and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com/festal or call 206 684-7200.