Amma in Michigan

Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi), an Indian spiritual leader revered as a saint by her followers, who also know her as "Amma", "Ammachi" or "Mother" will be in Michigan as part of her 2008 North American Tour from November 30th thru December 4th, 2008.

Amma will be at Hyatt Regency Dearborn, 600 Town Center Drive, Dearborn, Michigan 48126-2793 (Tel: 313.593.1234).

Please visit amma.org for more details.

Diwali Celebrations in our Community

Diwali will be celebrated this year on October 28th. Number of Indian Community Groups in our area have planned Diwali events/celebrations. Here are some of them. If you know of more then please do send us a note or add comments:

(UPAD) Uttar Pradesh Association of Detroit: (website)
Saturday November 8th, 2008
(5:30 PM - 11.30 PM)
Costick Activity Center - Door A
28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI
(248) 473-1816

(IACA) Indian American Cultural Association (website)
Saturday November 1st, 2008 (5.30 PM - 10.30 PM)
Costick Activity Center
28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI

(GSOD) Gujarati Samaj of Greater Detroit (website)
Sunday November 9th, 2008 (5.00 PM)
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126

(DTA) Detroit Telugu Association (website)
Sunday November 8th, 2008 (5.30 PM - 11.00 PM)
Walled Lake Northern High School
6000 Boogie lake Road, Commerce Township, MI

Musical Event - "The Musical Odyssey"

"The Musical Odyssey" is scheduled at the Seaholm High School Auditorium in Birmingham on November 15, 2008 at 6:30pm. This event will include a multi-media live musical program with 15 singers and 30 musicians of International Repute including the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra.

This event is supported by Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (MAPI). The Funds raised from this event will support MAPI charitable medical clinics.

The brochure I came across at detroitindia.com shows quite a few talented singers. One of them mentioned is Darshana Menon - the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa USA 2009. BUMMER!! those wanting to see the extremely talented "DARSHANA MENON" will be disappointed because, I just got word that DARSHANA MENON will not be in the show.

Here's what Darshana sounds like: (write to the organizers of the show to get Darshana!!)

Ronen Sen - India's Ambassador to United States comes to Michigan

The Center for South Asian Studies at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce an October 22, 2008 visit and public lecture by Indian Ambassador to the United States Ronen Sen. Ambassador Sen will speak on US/India foreign relations at 6:00 PM at the Alumni Center, located at 200 Fletcher Street. An open reception will follow the talk. Ambassador Sen’s visit helps inaugurate a major new three-year initiative of scholarly programs focused on contemporary South Asia, entitled “The Trehan India Initiative at the University of Michigan.” The initiative is made possible by a generous grant from Ranvir and Adarsh Trehan and the Trehan Foundation.

Ambassador Sen is one of India’s most distinguished senior diplomats. As such, he has lived and served in interesting times. Sen was India’s first Ambassador to a newly configured Russia following the demise of the former Soviet Union (1992-1998), and also served as ambassador to Germany during that country’s tumultuous reunification (1998-2002). Sen’s service in Moscow helped reestablish a longstanding friendship between India and Russia at a time when relations between the two countries were at a low ebb. He helped build a lasting partnership with Russia in part by underscoring a perennially valid set of shared interests between the two—not least among them a fervent Russian appreciation for Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor!

Please mark your calendars for October 22nd and welcome Ambassador Sen to the University of Michigan!

The Private World of India's Mughal Emperors

There's an exhibition opening at the Detroit Institute of Arts from Aug. 23 to November 16th, 2008 titled "The Private World of India's Mughal Emperors".

This exhibition features 86 outstanding miniature paintings, calligraphic examples and albums from the libraries of the Great Mughals of India: Akbar (r.1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627) and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1666).

For more details visit Detroit Institute of Arts Website.

Arjuna’s Dilemma a cross-cultural show in the New York area

If you are in the New York area on August 22nd, 23rd or August 24th, or if you know anyone in the New York area then pass this along to them.

Music-Theatre Group is thrilled to present three special preview performances of ARJUNA’S DILEMMA at the Pepsico Theater at SUNY Purchase in Purchase New York, August 22, 23 and 24 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $20. Click here for more details.

Arjuna’s Dilemma is a cross-cultural chamber opera adapted from the Hindu epic, Bhagavad Gita, and composed by Douglas J. Cuomo. The work centers on the moral and spiritual conflict of Arjuna, the warrior prince, on the eve of civil war, and the powerful spiritual counsel he receives from the Hindu god, Krishna and features a rich score melding classical, jazz and traditional Indian musical idioms. This is surely a story for our own times.

Scored for Indian singer (Humayun Kahn), Western tenor (Tony Boutte), female chorus and twelve instrumentalists including Badal Roy on tablas and Bob Franceschini on saxophone, the ethnically diverse cast reflects the universal nature of the story. The musical and dramatic conversation reflects a basic message found in the Bhagavad Gita: life is fundamentally dualistic and eternal unity comprises the play of opposites. Below is a brief outline of the story of Arjuna’s Dilemma.

Pre-Party to India Day 2008 Celebrations

Just got word that there's a "Pre-Party" to India Day 2008 Celebrations to be held on Friday August 8th at SIPS located at 30555 Grand River Avenue, Farmington Hills, MI. This event will start at 9.30PM.

Related: India Day 2008 Event

Click on the image below for "Pre-Party" event details:

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Indian Idol Stars coming to Michigan

Raja Hasan and Mauli Dave of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame along with Indian Idol stars Emon Chatterjee and Amit Paul will perform live on Saturday August 2nd, 2008 at Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall located at 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI. The show starts at 5.45 pm.

This event titled "August Melodies" is being bought to you by Foundation of Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (FOMAPI). It is a Fund Raising Event for Cancer Awareness in Michigan and India. Ticket Prices range from $50 to $250. Check out Michigan Mantra for contact information for purchasing the tickets.

Here's the amazing Raja Hasan from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

Indian Cultural Celebration in Detroit

Netlink, a company in Madison Heights, MI is putting on a Indian Cultural Celebration show in downtown Detroit at the Jazz Cafe on July 27th in the Music Hall from 5PM - 8PM.

As part of the celebration there will be a silent auction for a number of Indian clothes. Indian Food will be catered from Haandi. There will also be a spectacular dance performance by the renowned Sudha Chandra Shekar and the HTR Dance Troup, and comedian Jazz Mann will be on hand to entertain the guests. For more info on this event please click here.

Profits from ticket sales and auction, will go directly to Unicef children's foundation and CROMP, which is a South Asian based children's charity.

The price of the ticket is $100/person. If interested please contact: Anuj Lal - 248.701.0219 - anujlal@umich.edu.

Barack Obama Events in Michigan

If you are a Barack Obama supporter then check out this page I have put together which will show you all upcoming Barack Obama events in Michigan. Better yet, key in your Zip Code and this Google Maps page will show all Barack Obama events within radius of 10,20,30,40...miles from your zip code.

(Note: This page is not restricted to Michigan. You can select any state or Zip Code within United States)

Feel Stressed? Attend a "Art of Living" workshop in Warren, MI

Niraj Warikoo writes in today's Detroit Free Press about an event called "Practical Wisdom: Getting the Most out of Life" to be held at Renaissance Unity Church, 11200 E 11 mile road in Warren, MI on July 9th, 2008. The event kicks off at 6 PM.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, will talk at an event that is expected to draw about 1,500 people.

Niraj then writes about what some in the MI Indian Community have to say about the event.

“It can show you how breath and meditation can bring peace of mind, things you can take home and do on a daily basis” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, 29, of Novi.

Krishnamurthy says that the breathing – known as Sudarshan Kriya – has made him more productive at work. He now teaches others about it.

“It helped me focus a lot more,” he said. “I used to get angry a lot. Now, I don’t as much, and when I do, I get out of it a lot faster.”

Detroit Free Press further adds

Shankar, 52, was born in India and developed his breathing technique in 1982. The Art of Living Foundation has grown into a program that reaches people in 145 countries, organizers said.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, the foundation provided free breathing and relief classes for survivors. It also has helped survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the Virginia Tech shootings. About 1,000 Michiganders have taken Art of Living classes.

Visit www.aolmi.org for event details.

Community Events - July 2008

MIICC (Michigan India Chamber of Commerce) monthly meeting.
If you are Barack Obama or a John McCain supporter then attend the MIICC meeting to hear the Michigan campaign leaders for Senator Obama and Senator McCain who will share their messages wth the Asian Indian community. The meeting is scheduled for July 9th at 39577 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48304. The meeting starts at 5.30 pm. For more info visit MIICC website.

Entertaining Evening with Ghazal King - Kamran Mehdi Hassan (Son of Mehdi Hassan)
AFMI (American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin) welcomes Ram Vilas Paswan (Union Minister of Chemicals and Steel) and Other Dignitaries from India and Presents an Entertaining Evening, with
Ghazal King – Kamran Mehdi Hassan (Son of Mehdi Hassan) along with Narendra Sheth and Rujuta Joshi in Concert on Saturday, July 12, 2008
Program begins 6:00 PM Sharp, at
Lawrence Technological University
Science Building – Auditorium (S-100)
21000 West Ten Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075-1058
(visit AFMI website for more details)

"Unforgettable Tour 2008" forgets Detroit

Detroit is not in the schedule of "Unforgettable Tour - 2008" which starts on July 18th, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. The Bollywood stars performing in the "Unforgettable Tour 2008" are Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty, Ritesh Deshmukh, Vishal and Shekhar.

So if you are loaded with money and you must see Bollywood's 1st Family then here are the cities you can travel to see "MINDBLOWING MAGIC and UNLIMITED MASTI" (BTW that was promo from the show)

• Toronto, Canada - Rogers Center (18th July 2008)
• Los Angeles, California - LA Sports Center (26th July 2008)
• San Francisco, California - Oracle Center (27th July 2008)
• Houston, Texas - Toyota Center (2nd August 2008)
• Atlantic City, New Jersey - Broadwalk Arena (9th August 2008)
• Chicago, Illinois - Sears Center (10th August 2008)
• New York - Nassau Coliseum (15th August 2008)
• Vancouver - General Motors Place (17th August 2008)
• London - O2 Arena (24th August 2008)

15th Annual Fund Raising Dinner on Saturday, March 22nd 2008

The Jain Society of Greater Detroit will hold their 15th Annual Fund Raising Dinner on Saturday, March 22nd 2008 at the Burton Manor in Livonia.

The event will be held from 6:30 pm to 12:00 am. An entertainment group from Chicago will be performing music and the food will be catered by Krishna Catering.

Pl. let me know if you wish to enjoy a fun evening with good food and good entertainment. You may email me at nipa [at] jenesysgroup [dot] com.

Indian Events - March 2008

Michigan Tamil Sangam Fundraising Event!
Michigan Tamil Sangam is hosting a Fundraising Event on March 29th from 6PM - 9 PM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 165 E. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Enjoy a night of Raas Garba, Bhangra and much more. Contact Nalini Narayanasamy at 248-344-9657 (nalini_narayan [at] yahoo [dot] com) or Niranjan Varadarajan at 248-813-1631 (n4home [at] gmail [dot] com) or Radhika Ganesan at 248-854-7253 (radhikaganesan [at] hotmail [dot] com)

Fusion Festival: "Inspirations from India" Mar 29
The fusion concert, "Inspirations from India", will take place on Saturday, March 29, at 8pm at the Village Theater located on 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI, and will feature renowned sitar artist, composer and teacher, Hasu Patel.
For more details check out Plymouth Symphony Website

Holi Celebrations - 2008

As per the Hindu calendar, Holi falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon), which will occur on March 22, 2008.

Here in Michigan couple of Indian Associations have planned Holi Event:

Uttar Pradesh Association of Greater Detroit
"Rang Rangila" on Saturday, March 15th at Bharatiya Temple, 6850 Adams Road, Troy, MI 48098. The Event starts at 5.30 PM. For details check out upad website.

Gujarati Samaj of Detroit
"Holi Hai" on Saturday April 5th at Wylie E. Grove High School, 20500 W. 13 Mile Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. The Event starts at 1 PM. For details check out Gujarati Samaj of Detroit website.

What is Holi? Quote from Indian Express

Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemmoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around an arrogant king who resents his son Prahlada worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.

This exuberant festival is also associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha, and hence, Holi is spread over 16 days in Vrindavan as well as Mathura - the two cities with which Lord Krishna shared a deep affiliation. Apart from the usual fun with coloured powder and water, Holi is marked by vibrant processions which are accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general sense of abandoned vitality.

Today Holi is an excuse for Indians to shed inhibitions and caste differences for a day of spring fever and Big Fun. Teenagers spend the day flirting and misbehaving in the streets, adults extend the hand of peace, and everyone chases everyone else around, throwing brightly colored powder (gulal) and water over each other.

CRY America - Detroit Presents SUR-TAL

CRY America - Detroit brings to you SUR-TAL (A Music and Dance Performance by Young Adults)

This event will be featuring Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Folk Dances, Bhangra, Classical Songs as well as Bollywood song and dance performances.

The event will be held on Saturday March 8th 2008 from 3.00 - 6.30 PM at Lawrence Technological University Auditorium, Science Building, D Parking Lot, 21000 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075. Donation is $10 per person. All proceeds will go towards supporting CRY America's projects to restore the basic rights of underpriviliged children in India and the United States.

Click here to buy the tickets online or contact Sabina Arora (sabdetroit [at] yahoo [dot] com, 248-835-0324)

Shanti Project to celebrate International Women's Day in Novi, MI

Shanti Project, of the University of Michigan School of Social Work is hosting an event along with the AIWA (Asian Indian Women's Association), MAIFS (Michigan Asian Indian Family Services) to increase women awareness and celebrate International Women's Day.

The Event Brochure states:

Listen to an inspiring speech by Smt. Sharada Kumar, and participate in a discussion on how we, as women, can shape our families and our communities. Let us come together to Shape Our Progress.

The Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2008
• Time: 10:30-1:30 PM
• Location: Novi Community Center, 45175 West 10 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375
• Free lunch, parking and child care will be provided.

Youth Leadership Development Program for Indian-American youth

Michigan India Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Youth Leadership Development Program for Indian-American Youth. The purpose of this program is to prepare youths to deal with the challenges and opportunities of working in the global economy.

The classes run from February 23rd thru April 26th 2008. It will be held on Saturdays from 1-2.15 pm.

The Program Brochure states

By participating in this program, youths will develop or enhance their skills in:

• Communication
• Public Speaking
• Team Building &
  Problem Resolution
• Decision Making
• Collaborative Thinking
• Leadership

Check out miicc.com for pricing and other details

Valentine's Day Dinner at Local Indian Restaurants

Valentine's Day is around the corner and Local Indian Restaurants are serving up a special Valentine Day Dinner Buffet.

India Spice located at 30701 W 12 Mile Rd,Farmington Hills, MI 48334, has a special Dinner Buffet for February 14th, 2008 from 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm. Cost for Adults is $11.95 and for Kids it is $5.95. Contact India Spice at 248-381-5449. (via)

Bombay Grille located at 29200 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, also has a special Dinner Buffet for February 14th, 2008 from 6 PM to 9 PM which will be followed by Dance. Cost for couple is $50.00 and for individual it is a nickel cheap at $24.95. Contact Bombay Grille at 248-626-2982. (via)

Free Health Fair at University of Michigan Medical School

University of Michigan Medical School, United Asian American Medical Association and Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian origin bring to you a Free Health Fair.

Date: February 2nd, 2008
Screening: 9AM - 12 Noon
Lunch: 12 Noon - 1 PM
Workshops: 1 PM - 3 PM

Location:
University of Michigan Medical School
Medical Science Building II
1301 Catherine Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0624

For more details on this event please visit United Asian American Medical Association of University of Michigan website

Upcoming Events - January 2008

MIICC
Michgian Indian Chamber of Commerce meeting on Wednesday January 9th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Marx Layne Company located at 31420 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Meeting Agenda:
5:30 pm to 6:00 pm - General Networking
6:00 pm to 6:10 pm - MIICC overview and new Alliance Overview - Benefits Review
6:10 pm to 6:30 pm - Lee Anderson, a fitness trainer who will present tips for a healthy lifestyle
6:30 pm to 6:45 pm - Ross Sanders, Executive Director of Bizdom U presenting Bizdom U for entrepreneurs
6:45 pm to 7:05 pm - Round Table Introductions - Ask the folks in the room how they may assist you in your quest for new connections or opportunities
7:05 pm to 7:30 pm - General Networking

The Shanti Project
The Shanti Project of University of Michigan School of Social Work presents Gujarati Family Communications Workshop on Saturday January 26th, 2008 from 1 - 4.30 PM. This event will be held at Costick Community Center – Belfast Room, 28600 Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48336. Call 1-888-4SHANTI or email shantiproject[at]umich.edu for more details. This from the event flyer:

Have you ever felt as if you are not being understood or
you seem to have the same conversation over and over
again? If so, then this workshop may be right for you.
Learn about effective ways to communicate feelings,
needs, dislikes?

New Year's Eve Celebrations at Detroit Area Indian Restaurants

Some of the Detroit Area Indian Restaurants have planned New Year's Eve Celebrations. Here are some of the restaurants. If you you know of more let us know.

Rangoli Indian Cuisine (Auburn Hills, MI):

Featuring Hors D’oeuvres & Grand Buffet Dinner, Extravagant Dessert Station, Complimentary Beverages* & Midnight Champagne Toast, DJ Dancing, Large Projection Screens, Premium Cash Bar, and a play area for kids. For further details and to make reservations, please call 248.377.3800

House of India: (Farmington Hills, MI)

New Year's Eve Extravaganza at House of India, Farmington Hills

Come enjoy delicious dinner and dancing.
Cash bar with DJ.
Date: 12/31/07
Time: 6 pm to 2 am
Please call 248.553.7391 for reservations today.

Bombay Grille: (Farmington Hills, MI)

Spectacular New Year's Eve Party
Delicious Cuisine
Cash Bar
DJ and Dancing
Dinner starts from 6 PM on December 31st, 2007
Must call for Reservations at 248-626-2982

MIICC Monthly Meeting (December 12th) - Change of Venue

Just been informed by Nipa Shah that there's a change in venue for Michigan India Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting scheduled for December 12th. Here are the details:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, December 12th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm EST (2nd Wednesday of every month, 1 participant or 20)
• Location: Marx Layne & Company, 31420 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (www.marxlayne.com) Phone: 248.855.6777
• Agenda: Reiki Master Presenting fundamentals of Reiki and general networking
• Cost: No Charge to Members (including youths & non-profits) and $10 for non-members

For more details check out MIICC website.

Shanti Project to screen Bollywood Movie Saathiya

The Shanti Project, of University of Michigan School of Social Work which works to promote healthy family relationships in the Gujarati community will be showing Bollywood Movie Saathiya.

There is no cost to you. It is FREE and will be shown on December 8, 2007 from 2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. at Costick Community Center – Belfast Room which is located on 28600 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills , MI 48336 (map).

Quoting an email announcement from Folks at Shanti Project regarding this event

An evening of viewing a film, interesting conversation, light food, and meeting new friends. There will be free parking and chilcare if needed. Learn how we can work together to make the Gujarati community safer and stronger.

For more details
Contact:
The Shanti Project
University of Michigan
1080 S University
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Tel: 1-888-4SHANTI
Email: shantiproject at umich dot edu

Indian Classical Music and Dance event at Ann Arbor, MI

Asha for Education (Ann Arbor Chapter) presents an evening of Indian Classical Music and Dance titled "Rhythms of Hope" on November 3rd, 2007 from 5.00-7.30 pm at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University, Ann Arbor MI, 48109 (directions).

The event will feature one hour of Odissi dance performed by Ms.Sreyashi Dey, followed by one hour of Hindustani music, featuring sitar performed by Dr. Rajan Sachadeva and tabla performed by Mr. Amol Khanapurkhar.

Cost: $12 Students, $25 & $35 General (All proceeds go towards education of underprivileged children in India.) For more info visit the event website.

Global Drum Project Event at Michigan State University

Zakir Hussain along with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo will be on the campus of Michigan State University on October 20th, 2007.

Date: Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 8 PM
Venue: Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, MSU Campus
Tickets: $38, $28, $23 for general public, $15 for students
For tickets and more information check out Wharton Center, MSU website.

This from the MSU Event Site:

New music from the group that brought you the Grammy Award winning Planet Drum. Global Drum Project reunites Grateful Dead percussion heavyweight Mickey Hart with his longtime friend and collaborator, tabla master Zakir Hussain, along with talking drum ace Sikiru Adepoju and the formidable conguero Giovanni Hidalgo. Planet Drum was released in 1991 and went on to earn the first-ever Grammy® in the World Music category. “This is a deep drumming groove. We’re taking the archaic rhythm worlds into outer space. Planet Drum explores rhythm and noise; it’s a sound yoga of processed acoustic percussion headed straight for the trance zone that becomes a dance of ancient and modern worlds. Deep drumming is a skeleton key into these realms.” - Mickey Hart

Diwali Celebrations in Michigan - 2007

Indian Organizations throughout the Metro Detroit Area and in Michigan are finalizing plans for Diwali Celebrations. Here are some of them that I know of. (If you know of any more please post it in the comments or email me.)

UPAD (Uttar Pradesh Association of Detroit) hosts a Dinner and Cultural Program on October 27th (starts at 5.30PM) at the Costick Activity Center – (Door A - 28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI (East of Middlebelt) 248-473-1816.

Donation requested as follows: (make cheques payable to UPAD)
Members $16 per Person
Non-Members $ 20 per Person
Seniors (>65) $ 12 per Person
Participants (<18) $10 per Person
Children (<10) $10 per person
Children (<5) Free!!!

For more info visit UPAD website.

Detroit Telugu Association
Saturday, November 03, 2007 5:30PM to 10:30PM at Novi High School, 24062 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48374. Check out there Detroit Telugu website for more details.

Michigan Konkani Association
Diwali Gala is tentatively scheduled for November 17, 2007 at the Southfield Civic Center. Keep checking there website for more details.

Gujarati Samaj of Detroit
Diwali Celebrations is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 28th at Sea Holm High School, Birmingham. Visit there website for more details.

Maharashtra Mandal of Detroit
Maharashtra Mandal is celebrating DIWALI on November 17th. Check out there website for more details.

Women's Day on September 23rd, 2007 at Novi, MI

Asian Indian Women's Association brings to you their 2nd Annual "Women's Day" on September 23rd, 2007 at Rock Financial Show Place, Novi, MI from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. Check out their website for more details.

Quote from their brochure

A Power Packed Day of FUN, SEMINARS, MARKETING, SEMINARS and NETWORKING

• Indoor Event
• Explore variety of Exhibits in the main hall
• Free Prize Giveaways and Makeup tips
• Free Chair Massages to ease Stress and tension!
• Free Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol check to stay fit

Note: This is a fun filled event for women only. Children under 16 are discouraged from attending

Indian Beauty - Padmashree Shobana coming to Ann Arbor, MI

Association of India Development brings to you "MAYA" a dance performance by the Indian beauty Padmashree Shobana on October 6th, 2007 from 6-9 PM at 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor MI, 48109. Contact Deepa Pendse at 517-214-0584 or email at deepa[at]umich[dot]edu.

Ticket Prices: $55,$35,$20 (Children under 10 free). All proceeds will benefit Association of India Development projects.

Note: This event co-sponsored by University of Michigan Center for South Asian Studies

Juggy D comes to Festival of India (2007) - Detroit, MI

Juggy D a British Bhangra Singer from Southall, London, England will be performing live at Festival of India on Saturday, August 25th, 2007 starting at 7.30 PM at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan.

Related: Festival of India website

Here's Juggy D along with Jay Sean (who was here in Detroit last year):

India's Independence Day Celebrations in Michigan

Feel the Pulse of India at India's Independence Day Festival on August 12th at Rock Financial Show Place, Novi, MI. The organizers (India League of America) have planned a grand event which includes - Parade, Live Dances and Music, Vast Indoor Shopping Stalls, Authentic Indian Food. As a bonus the organizers have also planned a Visa Camp, Health Camp and Job Fair. (Visit India League of America's website for more details).

To get you in the mood here's a Bollywood Classic "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" from Upkar.

About 2 weeks later from August 24th-August 26th there is another Independence Day Festival coming up at Hart Plaza, Detroit. For details visit the organizers (The United South Asian Promotions Group) website.

Naya Daur a Bollywood Classic comes to Big Screen in Michigan

Naya Daur a Bollywood classic of 1950's (now in color) starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala comes to SR Movies, Novi, MI on August 3rd, 2007. Visit MIMANTRA for show times.

Here's Uden Jab Jab Zulphen Teri from Naya Daur:

Health Fair at Bharatiya Temple, Troy, MI

The 6th Annual Health Fair will be held on Sunday August 12th from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Bharatiya Temple located at 6850 N Adams Road, Troy, MI 48098 (directions).

This event Organized by
The Bharatiya Temple,
Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
and Crittenton Hospital Medical Center

From the Bharatiya Temple website:

Blood screening panel including fasting sugar, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and PSA will be conducted free for everyone (pre registration requested & Fasting for 12 hours is suggested).
Bone density measurement will be available to women, if needed.
Information Booths on Hormone Replacement Therapy, breast cancer, mammogram, prostate, cataract, nutrition, exercise, and life style enhancement.
Cardiologists, Urologists, OB-GYNs, Ophthalmologists, Rheumatologists, Endocrinologists, Internists, Dentists, Pharmacists and other specialists will be on hand for guidance.

Please pre-register before August 6th by providing your name, address and phone number.
All Tests are FREE!
To register contact : Minal Engineer email : minal_e@hotmail.com

Big 3 Cricket Challenge at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI

The Big 3 Cricket Championship Game will be held on July 29th at Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI from 4pm - 8pm. This year's participating teams are General Motors, Daimler Chrysler, Ford and Altair. For more details visit Michigan Cricket Association website.

Guess what! The special guest for this championship game will be Mushtaq Mohammed, former Captain for Pakistan's cricket team.

You can see the cricket pitch in this Google Maps Satellite picture of Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills, MI.

Sonu Nigam comes to Detroit, MI on August 17th, 2007

UPDATE: Sonu Nigam concert postponed to September 7th, 2007
Sonu Nigam will be live in concert on August 17th, 2007 at the Detroit Opera House (Map). The show starts at 8 PM. This event bought to you by Palace-Entertainment.

For Tickets Call Bittu @ 586- 506- 0043 or Detroit Opera House at 313-237-3425. Tickets are also available at most major Indian Grocery and Appliance stores.

Here's a title song from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna sung by Sonu Nigam:

Upcoming Indian Community Events in Michigan

Anand Bazaar - Gujarati Samaj of Detroit brings to you Anand Bazaar - on July 14th from 10 AM to 8 PM at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126 (Map). Check out Gujarati Samaj Website for more details. The Website states

Come and Enjoy Handicrafts, Gift Items, Jewelery, Clothing, Mehendi/Henna, Music Masti and wide array of delicious array of Indian Food

Raas, Garba and Folk Dance Competion - This again by Gujarati Samaj of Detroit on July 14th at 1 pm at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126. (Map). Check out Gujarati Samaj of Detroit Website for more details. If you want to see the this competition, the cost of tickets are $100, $75, $50, $35 (sold out). So at the minimum a family of 4 has to pay $200.