1. Continuing a Way of Life
Aditi Shah

2. 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…

3. 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

4. Kashi Vishvanatha Temple Flint, Michigan

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

6. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
Bartlett, Illinois

7. Inside (BAPS)

8. Inside (BAPS)

9. Holidays and Festivals
Coincide with religion
Gather mainly in temples for celebration
Honor tradition
Navratri, Diwali, Bestu Varas, and Holi
The major ones

10. Navratri “Nine Nights” honors the Mother Goddess, Durga
Dance in celebration

11. Diwali
Festival of lights
Earthen lamps
fireworks

12. Holi
Spring holiday

13. Dance Regional Classical Bhangra (Punjabi) Garba-Raas (Navratri)
Bharat Natyam
Kathakali

14. Bhangra

15. Garba-Raas

16. Bharat Natyam