Any one in New York City and interested in knowing Hinduism should definitely see this exhibition.
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/meeting_god/index.html
American Museum of Natural History
MEETING GOD
Elements of Hindu Devotion
September 8, 2001 - February 24, 2002
Guest curator: Stephen P. Huyler
American Museum of Natural History curator: Laurel Kendall
In January 2002, the American Museum of Natural History is launching an annual series of programs that will look at our experience as a nation of many cultures, focusing on how our differences are a fundamental strength that we share as well as an ongoing challenge that too often divides us. Each year “Living in America” will address different cultures, communities and concerns and present an array of programs that will include performances, films, lectures, panel discussions and workshops for audiences of all ages. This year, in the aftermath of September 11, the Museum is exploring Arab, South Asian and Muslim cultures and experiences in New York City and around the world.
Saturday, January 19
Where My Gurlz At? Sumitra Rajkumar and South Asian Youth Action - Desi Girls On Da Rise, 2001, 20 min.
This short mystery about the disappearance of two young South Asian women from Queens, New York City addresses various barriers that women, young people and South Asians face.
Saturday, January 26
Film & Panel: Voices of Muslims in the City of Diversity
Linder Theater, first floor
2:00 p.m.
Screening:
Immediately following the film, speakers will offer personal insights on the ways that American Muslims have influenced, and been influenced by, the ever-changing social and cultural life of New York City. Panelists: Aisha Al-Adawiya, Director, Women in Islam; Debbie Almontaser, educator, NYC Board of Education; Raymond Rodriguez-Romero, representative, Alianza Islamica; Zaheer Uddin, Executive Director, Center for American Muslim Research & Information. Moderator: Louis Abdellatif Cristillo, Field Director, Muslim Communities in New York City, Columbia University, N.Y. Co-sponsored by Women In Islam.
Sunday, January 27
Sikhs from India
Films & Panel: Ethnic Neighborhoods of New York City from Brooklyn to Queens
Linder Theater, first floor
2:00 p.m.
Screening:
Turbans
Erika Andersen, Filmmaker; Carol Ruiz and Erika Andersen, Producers, 1999, 30 min.
Wearing turbans, a sacred Indian Sikh tradition, identifies the American-born the Singh boys as outsiders in the prejudiced landscape of Astoria, Oregon, circa 1918.
Following the films, members of the Arab community of Brooklyn and the Sikh and Indo-Caribbean neighborhoods of Queens will speak about their respective histories. Panelists: Ienderjit Singh, Executive Director, South Asian Community Council in Queens; Gary Girhardi, Editor, Guyana Journal; and Emira Habiby Browne, Executive Director, Arab American Family Support Center. Moderator: Roger Sanjek, Professor of Anthropology at Queens College, City University of New York and author of The Future of Us All: Race and Neighborhood Politics in New York City.
Saturday & Sunday, January 19 & 20
Storytelling: Princess Guddi, the Supergirl of New York
Original story by Rizwan Mirza and Sunita S. Mukhi.
Islamic Court, Hall of Asian Peoples, second floor
2:00 or 4:00 p.m.
Sunita S. Mukhi tells the story of Guddi, a young Indian American girl living in New York City whose marvelous superpowers come from using a rainbow, yoga, and her little red dot. Mukhi is Programs Associate for Multidisciplinary Projects and Asian American Community Connections at the Asia Society, NY.
Sunday, January 20
Workshop: Mandana Painting
Leonhardt People Center, second floor
3:00 p.m.
Program Code: EPC02
Reservations recommended. Limited to 20 participants (ages 6 and up).
Subhra Goswami explains how mandana wall paintings in India express religious themes, Hindu mythology, or can be decorative designs enhancing villagers’ homes. Participants learn how to make these folk art designs.
Sunday Jan 27
Workshop: Mehndi
Leonhardt People Center, second floor
3:00 p.m.
Program Code: EPC06
Reservations recommended. Limited to 16 participants (ages 10 and up).
Kavita Vyas demonstrates the uses of mehndi in religious rituals, and wedding ceremonies, and as body art. Participants create designs on their hands using a henna cone.