Bal Vihar & St. Louis Arts Museum celebrate India Day

Raj Iyer

1. LOUIS: The Arts Museum St Louis (SLAM) has been showcasing “Passport to India” for last four years and Bal Vihar of St. Louis has been an integral part of it. On August 19, both organizations came together again to celebrate India’s 72nd Independence Day and showcased highlights of Indian culture.

The event started off with flag hoisting and Bal Vihar Student Orchestra playing national anthem of United States and India. SLAM was filled with lots of visitors, young and adults alike, wanting to know and experience India’s culture and heritage.

The volunteers showcased traditional arts and culture of India. This included visitors having an opportunity to try Mehendi (Henna) art on their hands, display of various arts and culture. Visitors could also learn how to write their name in ancient Indian script of Devanagari. There was also a photo-op for visitors to try on Indian clothing and take some pictures. SLAM was filled with colorful Indian attires and artifacts at display.

Young visitors were specially catered for through the coloring station and explanation of the heritage for curious minds. At display was also a performance of centuries old classical Indian dance “Bharatnatyam”. Visitors had a chance to understand various postures and hand movements. They had an opportunity to follow the hand movements and steps.

The event followed into the theater where various dance representing diversity and variety of India was at display. The performers were dressed in traditional Indian attire representing different regions of India. Bal Vihar President Dr. Sudhir Brahambhatt thanked the visitors for attendance and observed that the opportunity to showcase India and its culture was a welcome development for Bal Vihar. He also shared the growth of India and its influence across the world.

Thanks to St. Louis Arts Museum for their “Passport to India”, it was yet another opportunity to show the history of India and the variety in its culture and heritage. Bal Vihar has been serving Greater St. Louis community for over 25 years inculcating cultural values in the leaders of next generation while helping them discover their identity.

Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community.