Cultural Events for Bay Area

Oct 01, 2008

October 1 Wednesday

The Coexist? Comedy Tour, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and atheist stand-up comics perform in a show aimed at education and creating tolerance, while putting comedy first. The ensemble has been booked at esteemed venues, such as The Comedy Club and Punch Line SF. Oct. 1, 8 p.m. Rooster T. Feathers, 157 W. Camino Real, Sunnyvale. Oct. 2, 8:00 p.m. Pepperbelly’s, 849 Texas St., Fairfield. Nov. 14, The Throckmorton, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. www.coexistcomedy.com.

Post-Independence Masters, an exhibition featuring the modern masters of Indian visual arts. Works by M.F. Husain, Thotha Vaikuntam, Ganesh Haloi, B. Prabha, and Ram Kumar. Each artist played a key role in realizing the modernist movement of India and ushering in future generations of visual artists. Showing through Oct. 18. Aicon Gallery, 535 Bryant St., Palo Alto. (650) 321-4900. www.aicongallery.com.

Honoring Mahatma Gandhi. Bay Area South Asians will meet to honor Gandhi at the Democrats for Obama office. Prominent dignitaries from the Indian, Fijian, Pakistani groups are invited to this event. Talks by Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama will be shown. There will be talks by prominent Bay Area leaders about similarities between Gandhi and Obama. Mary Stevens, a longtime community activist, will attend, along with representatives from Mike Honda’s and Jackie Spier’s offices. 7 p.m. 628 El Camino Real, San Carlos. (650) 394-4171.

October 2 Thursday

Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh Gowariker’s film revealing an epic love story played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan at the 31st annual Mill Valley Film Festival. Jodhaa Akbar is a 16th century love story about a marriage of alliance that gave birth to true love between a great Moghul emperor and a Rajput princess. Showing through Oct. 12 at CineArts at Sequoia, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, and other venues throughout the Bay Area. (415) 957-1205. larsenassc@aol.com.

Third Gandhi Statue Birthday Party Poetry Reading. Marking Gandhi’s 139th birthday Gandhi poets reading Gandhiby readings from Jeffrey Cook, Nora Foster, Francisco Ramos, and many more. Nonviolent Peaceforce member Gilda Bettencourt will tell of celebrating Gandhi’s birthday in Kenya. 12-1:30 p.m. Gandhi statue, behind the San Francisco Ferry Building. between Market and Mission Streets (510)845-5481, (415) 240-0286.

October 3 Friday

Annual IBPW Career and Life Conference, network, learn, and connect. Organized by the Indian Business and Professional Women. 1-5 p.m. The Indus Enterpreneurs (TiE) Office, 2903 Bunker Hill Lane, Suite #108, Santa Clara. $20 advance; $25 at the door. http://ibpw.net/ibpw2008conference. 

Vasundhara, an ode to Mother Earth. Presented by Rita Sahai with a Hindustani Choir. Forty singers of various ages will perform. St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Berkeley. $15, $20. (510) 847-2020, (510) 847-5808. info@vdhara.org.  www.ritashai.com.

Miles From India, ensemble of Miles Davis veterans and top Indian musician take stage at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. 8 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. $20, $30, $45, $60. (866) 920-5299. www.sfjazz.org. 

Navaratri Dandia Raas and Garba. Organized by Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA). Music by Ashush Patel and Eastern Wind. Oct. 3-4. 8 p.m. Cal State Hayward, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. $10. www.gcabayarea.com/events.htm.

October 4 Saturday

A Stop on the Silk Road: The Archaeology of Afghanistan, a presentation by Nadia Tarzi, founder and executive director of the Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology. Presented by the Fremont Main Library. The program is in celebration of the traveling exhibition of extraordinary archaeological treasures from the National Museum of Afghanistan. The exhibition has been in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and will be showing in the San Francisco Asian Art Museum from Oct. 24 through Jan. 25. It will later travel to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fukaya Room A, Fremont Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont. Free. (510) 745-1401. (For more details on the exhibit, see Calendar preview story.)

Gandhi Day 2008, event marking Gandhi’s work and philosophy of nonviolence. The program will include music, skits, testimonials, artwork, writings, and more. Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Park Theater, 37411 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. Also, Saturday, Oct. 11, 3-6 p.m. Milpitas Main Library, 40 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas. Free and open to the public. To volunteer, call (510) 228-6417. www.nonviolencepeaceday.org.

Cultural Program organized by socio-cultural nonprofit Baybasi. The program will include a children’s "sit and draw," music with Sharad Arghya, a kathak recital by Chitresh Das Dance Company, Bangla Band songs by Nandini and troupe, and Bangla/Indian songs by Surojit and troupe. 2-11 p.m. Bowditch Middle School, 1450 Tarpon St., Foster City. Free. (650) 863-5207. baybasi.admin@gmail.com.  www.baybasi.org.

Bharatanatyam Arangetram of Natasha Halarnkar, student of Bindu Shankar, artistic director of Vrindavan Indian Dance Company. Accompanied by Asha Ramesh (vocals), N. Narayanan (mrdiangam), and Shanti Narayana (violin). 4:30 p.m. Jackson Theater, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Free. (925) 875-1095, (925) 820-2279.

Fifth annual American Indian Foundation (AIF) Bay Area Gala, chaired by Rajat Gupta, former managing partner of McKinsey & Co.; Mike Moritz of Sequoia Capital; and Jeff Morgan, executive director of the Global Heritage Fund. AIF will honor Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials, for his company’s corporate and philanthropic commitment to India. Raj Mathai, NBC’s Bay Area sports anchor, will be the master of ceremonies of the gala. The entertainment for the evening will be provided by Aasif Mandavi, actor, writer, and correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; the Gregangelo Velocity Circus, and performances by Kala Vandana Dance Company and Ishaara, the UC Berkeley Hindi Film Dance Team. 6 p.m. Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame. www.aifoundation.org.

Mahishasur Mardini, music by Ellora Jha. 6 p.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. (510) 278-2444. badarik@pacbell.net.  www.badarikashrama.org.

Vasundhara: Ode to Mother Earth, a World Premier Concert by Rita Sahai and her students of Hindustani Classical Vocal Music. In ancient India, the Vedic sages united their voices and hearts in hymns that express their gratitude for the life-giving abundance of Mother Earth. In the spirit of these ancient sages, Vasundhara will engage the power of classical ragas to evoke not the emotions of love lost and won, or the endearing aspects of a particular deity, but to move us with awe for the stunning beauty and life-sustaining abundance of the Earth. Forty singers will unite their voices in awe of Mother Earth. In the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent activism, Ode To Mother Earth seeks to move us through the power of love and profound respect to protect the earth and live in unity with all beings. 7 p.m. St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Berkeley. $15, $20 general. Tickets: www.ritasahai.com. (510) 847-2020, (510) 847-5808. info@vdhara.org.

Navaratri Dandia Raas and Garba. Organized by VIBHA. Sharvari Dixit and her troupe along with DJ music. Finalists of the “So You Think You Can Dandia” contest compete.  All proceeds benefit underprivileged children in India and USA. 7 p.m. Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont. $12 general.  http://bayarea.vibhadandia.org/dandia.

Navaratri Dandia Raas and Garba. Organized by Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF). Music by Preeti Shah and Group. Fundraiser for the Gujarat Hospital. Co-sponsored by CLiPS. Oct. 4 and 11, 7:30 p.m. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. $15 general; children under 5 free. Tickets: www.giftofvision.org. (408) 616-8864, (408) 979-9229. http://sefdandia@gmail.com.

Violin Duet, with Lalgudi Srimathi Brahmanadam and Anuradha Sridhar; and Shriram Brahmanadam (mridangam). 8 p.m. East West Bookstore, 324 Castro St., Mountain View. (650) 988-9800, Ext. 314. rasamayi@EastWest.com.  www.eastwest.com.

October 5 Sunday

Mahatma Gandhi: A Regent of Personal, Political, Social, Economic, Spiritual and Global Change, lecture by Kartikeya C. Patel. 11 a.m. Cultural Integration Fellowship, 2650 Fulton St.,San Francisco. Free will offering. (415) 668-1559. www.culturalintegrationfellowship.org.

Reading of An American in Gandhi’s India: The Biography of Satyanand Stokes. Author Asha Sharma participates in San Francisco’s largest literary festival and will sign copies later in the day. Her book, with a foreward by the Dalai Lama, is a fascinating account of the life of Samuel Evans Stokes of Philadephia who went to India in 1904 to work with lepers and later became a leader in Gandhi’s movement. Reading: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Main Public Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. Signing: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Books Inc, 601 Van Ness, San Francisco. Both events are free. ashaksharma@hotmail.com.

Beats by the Bay Dandia, organized by nonprofit Baybasi. 6 p.m. Bowditch Middle School, 1450 Tarpon St., Foster City. $10; children under 5 free. (650) 863-5207. baybasi.admin@gmail.com.  www.baybasi.org.

October 7 Tuesday

Gandhi Day: Nonviolence and Peace Day, organized by Indian American Organization. Gandhi Day celebrated as a salute to the legacy of nonviolence, peace, and tolerance. Open to all. Includes children’s activities, inspirational talks from leaders of various communities and ethnicities, and more. 12-2 p.m. Milpitas Main Library, Milpitas. (510) 228-6417. www.nonviolencepeaceday.org.

October 8 Wednesday

The Assassination of the Third World and the Promise of the Global South, a talk by Vijay Prashad. Prashad’s The Darker Nations: A People’s History of the Third World has been called the "first comprehensive political history of the third world." Prashad is George and Martha Kellner chair in South Asian history and director of International Studies at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. He is also a prolific journalist and commentator, who has authored numerous additional books and articles on political economy, social justice, imperialism, and race. Prashad serves on the boards of the Center for Third World Organizing, the National Priorities Project, and United for a Fair Economy. Organized by Center for South Asia Studies, UC Berkeley. 5:30 p.m. Maud Fife Room, UC Berkeley, 315 Wheeler Hall, Berkeley. Free. (510) 642-3608. http://southasia.berkeley.edu/events/Vijay_Prashad.pdf.  

October 9 Thursday

"Milk & Opium," a film by Joel Palombo explores traditional India’s transformation into a globalized society through the experiences of Swaroop, a young Muslim caste musician from Rajasthan. With outstanding traditional Sufi musical performances, including a spectacular qawwali rendition at Nizzamuddin Dargah in Delhi, Milk & Opium leaves the viewer questioning what will become of Swaroop and traditional India. Organized by Center for South Asia Studies, UC Berkeley. 6 p.m. UC Berkeley, 125 Morrison Hall, Berkeley. Free. (510) 642-3608. http://southasia.berkeley.edu. 

October 10 Friday

The Monk, 18th-century seminal horror novel by Matthew Lewis adapted by Nirmala Nataraj in the first American theater production of the novel in over 50 years, Oct. 10-Nov. 22. Director Stuart Bousel helms this highly entertaining meditation on love, religion, madness, and depravity. Presented by No Nude Men Productions. Exit Stage Left, 156 Eddy St., San Francisco. $10 first weekend, $15-$20 thereafter. (415) 994-1367. ambrosioandmatilda@gmail.com.

Desert Dhun: Sounds of Rajasthan, musical group Rupayan from Rajasthan, India, will perform in an interactive session, enhanced with translations and background information by Kuldeep Kothari and Shalini Ayyagari. Concert will be followed by a discussion with the artists on topics such as Rajasthani song genres and their characteristic features, instrument use and demonstration, new avenues of Indian patronage, and issues of copyright when borrowing from traditional music. Organized by Center for South Asia Studies, UC Berkeley. 6 p.m. UC Berkeley, 125 Morrison Hall, Berkeley. Free. (510) 642-3608. http://southasia.berkeley.edu. 

Outernational Science, monthly dance/club event, this month featuring ecstatic sufi qawwali group Fanna-Fi-Allah, plus resident DJs Cheb i Sabbah and Janaka Selekta.10 p.m.-3 a.m. Club Six, 60 Sixth St., San Francisco. $10. 21 and over. (415) 863-1221.

October 11 Saturday

Kevin Piyatilake’s Exhibit. Open Studios provides the public with an opportunity to see artists in their workspaces. As the largest and first open studios program in the country, San Francisco Open Studios showcases artists without judgment and invites art lovers to make friends and start or build their art collections. Piyatilake’s "Unguarded Moments" explores renditions of cityscapes and other subject matter. Piyatilake’s view of the world is influenced by his upbringing in Sri Lanka. Having lived in the U.S. for the past 22 years, Piyatilake’s work reflects the new world around him while paying homage to his foreign roots. His work has been featured in the San Francisco Magazine and The Daily News (Sri Lanka). Presented by ArtSpan. Oct. 11-12, 11 a.m.-6 pm. 28-A, Alma St., San Francisco. (415) 504-9134. www.kevinpiyatilake.com.

Two-day Kalarippayat Workshop. Kalarippayat literally means "training ground exercise" and the term "kalari" can be used both to describe the practice, as well as the space in which it takes place. It developed at the junction of the indigenous Dravidian culture of India and the Vedic culture that migrated from the north. It has been a major influence on the development of yoga and ayurveda since ancient times. Kalari stresses the tantric concept of living in this world, strongly emphasising the expansion and development of the senses, as opposed to the classical practice of pratyahara, or going inside. Presented by Parag Mody. Oct. 11-12. Bija Yoga, 1348 Ninth Ave., San Francisco. (415) 572-8921. www.paragmody.com.

Musical Concert, with Chandrayee, Raghab and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa champion Aneek. Presented by Sanskriti Inc. 3 p.m. Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos. (408) 206-3435, (408) 218-1014. www.sanskriti.org.

Vijayadasami Celebrations. Presented by Abhinaya Dance Company. 4 p.m. (New student registration at 3 p.m.) Moreland West Community Center, 1850 Fallbrook Ave., San Jose. Free; all welcome. (408) 983-0491. www.abhinaya.org.

Aao Zume Gaaye, meet with Bay Area top performer Dhananjay Kulkarni, share your interest and talent in Bollywood music and ghazals, and try out a few songs to screen for coaching and auditions. Open for all ages. Bring any musical instruments to play. Oct. 11 and 18, 5 p.m. Location to be announced. Register: MelodyStarDhananjay@gmail.com. http://MelodyStarDhananjay.googlepages.com. 

Ganamalika, a concert with performances by classic and contemporary Telugu Christian artistes from India and all over the U.S. This year Ganamalika features Jacob Prabhu, Vijay Kumar, Sujeeth, and the CTC Fremont Choir, and door prizes. Ganamalika is an annual concert produced by CTC Network, a California based nonprofit organization serving the Telugu Community. 7 p.m. The King’s Academy, 562 N. Britton Ave., Sunnyvale. Free. (650) 270-7575.

Final Solutions, a play in English about bias, bigotry, and bloodshed. Critically acclaimed play written by award-winning playwright Mahesh Dattani examines the never-ending saga of Hindu-Muslim conflict in India. The play looks at the conflict through the lens of three generations of a middle class Gujarati family as they harbor two Muslim boys during a communal riot, and time shifts between 1947 and present day. Final Solutions makes the viewer rethink their own prejudices and perceptions. Directed by Harish Agastya. Presented by Naatak. 8 p.m. Oct. 11 and 17; 5 p.m. Oct. 12. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $20 general; $15 children. (408) 425-2647. www.naatak.com.

Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, in concert with Pandit Habib Khan Concert. Accompanied by Prasanna, Rakesh Chaurasia, Rupak Kulkarni, Bhawani Shankar, Subhankar Banerjee, and David Binney. Presented by the Rotary Club of Cupertino, Habib Khan Saraswati Temple, and Gurukul. A benefit for Polio Plus. 6 p.m. Flint Center, De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. $20, $35, $50, $100. Tickets: (650) 225-9725, (408) 996-2446; www.ticketmaster.com.  Sponsorship: (408) 961-0432.

Dance of the 64 Yoginis, by Pratibha Jena Singh. The hand gestures, rhythmic steps and facial expressions used in this classical Orissa dance are used to enact stories from Hindu mythology. Singh will explain some of the meanings of the dance poses and sequences integral to this ancient art form. 7 p.m. Open Secret Bookstore, 923 C St., San Rafael. $20. (478) 457.5482. www.ganeshacademy.com.

October 12 Sunday

Ekal Walk/Run, a 5k or 10k walk/run fundraiser to tackle literacy issues in India. Chief guest will be Gen. J.J. Singh, governeor of Arunachal Pradesh and former chief of army staff of India. There will be yoga, live music, free food, and more. Organized by the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA. 8 a.m. Shoreline Park, Mountain View. Free. (408) 318-3416, (408) 509-9445. info@ekalwalk.org.  www.ekal.org.

Rebuild Afghanistan Summit. Aid workers, activists, and volunteers gather at annual conference to network and spotlight Afghanistan’s decadeslong plight for peace and stability. Keynote speakers will be Nake Kamrany, USC economics professor and author of over 20 books and articles on Afghanistan, and Emmy award-winning news anchor Dana King of CBS 5. Also featuring numerous presentions by nonprofits working in Afghanistan, workshops, vendors, and food. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Guzman Hall, Dominican University, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. Free and open to the public. (510) 512-5566; afghanactivism@yahoo.com.  www.kabulmaternity.org/2008_website.

Vocal Concert by Maharajapuram Ramachandran, accompanied by B.U. Ganesh Prasad on the violin and Mannargudi Easwaran on the mridangam. 3:30 p.m. CET Theater, 701 Vine St., San Jose. $15. www.southindiafinearts.org.

Durga Puja Celebrations. Presented by Sanskriti Inc. 4 p.m. Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos. (408) 206-3435, (408) 218-1014.

Bharatnatyam Arangetram of Shreya Shankar, student of Meena Logan, artistic director Pushpanjali Dance Academy. 4 p.m. Sunnyvale Community Center Theater, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale. Free. www.pushpanjali.org.

October 14 Tuesday

Indian Seniors Event, meetings will start with a yoga session followed by cultural activities and talks from members and guests. Organized by Indo-American Seniors Association Fremont. Oct. 14 and 28, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. Free.

October 15 Wednesday

Laugh Out the Vote, a pre-election political comedy throwdown featuring stand-up comedians Hari Kondabolu, Will Durst, W. Kamau Bell, Betsy Salkind, and Nato Green, Oct. 15-19. Oct. 15; Kid Street School Theater, Santa Rosa (Will Durst will not appear at this performance, Joe Klocek will be the special guest); $18 advance, $20 at the door. Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; Purple Onion, San Francisco; $18 advance, $20 at the door. Oct. 17, 8 p.m.; Purple Onion, San Francisco; $20 advance, $22 at the door. Oct. 18, 7 p.m.; The Clubhouse, San Francisco (Will Durst will not appear, special guests will be Kevin Camia, Chris Garcia, and Sean Keane); $16 advance, $18 at the door. Oct. 19, 7 p.m.; Little Fox Theater, Redwood City, $18 advance, $20 at the door. www.harithecomic.com.

October 17 Friday

International Gift Faire, fairly traded folk art and handicrafts from Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit job creation and marketing program for artisans in India and 30 developing countries, Oct. 17-18. Lincoln Glen Fellowship Hall, 2700 Brooksin Ave., San Jose. Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (408) 264-1662. www.internationalgiftfaire.com.

National Bihar Relief Day, fundraiser featuring prominent guest from Bihar—director Prakash Jha—helps raise awareness and funds to aid the 2.5 million people displaced by the recent devastating floods. Also features musical entertainment by Praveen and Ritee Chaddha and other prominent artists. Organized by American Organization for the Development of Bihar (AODB) and Bihar Samaj in association with American India Foundation, ICA, FIA-NC, FIBA, FIJIANA, India Community Center, ILP, Prabasi, Sewa International, Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, TiE, and UPMA. 7 p.m. India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. (510) 651-3711. sujayroy@hotmail.com.  www.aodb.org.

October 18 Saturday

Nining Muir’s Exhibit. Open Studios provides the public with an opportunity to see artists in their workspaces. Signing her work nim (an abbreviation of her 45-character-long Indonesian moniker), nim’s portfolio ranges from ethnic to iconoclastic, from recognizable to abstract, from traditional to contemporary, defying ready-made classifications in favor of unlimited playfulness. Impressed by the linear genius of Egon Schiele and the rich colors, patterns, and motifs of Javanese, Balinese, and Indian masters, nim seeks to marry East with West in surprising, if not altogether comfortable, ways. Presented by ArtSpan. Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 3150 18th St., Suite 323, San Francisco. www.niningmuir.com.

Utsav: A Celebration of Dance, wholesome entertainment for the entire family. The performances will showcase various styles of dance including Bollywood styles, bharatnatyam fusion, Rajasthani folk, semi-classical fusion, jazz, hip hop, Afro-Brazilian dances, and kathak. Presented by Asha for Education and nonprofit dance troupe Zingaris. 6 p.m. San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. $22, $27, $32 general. (888)-556-7860. www.zingaris.org.  www.ashanet.org/siliconvalley.

DesiSingles40Plus, monthly gathering for single, mature men and women of Indian origin living in the Bay Area. Activities include dinner, dance, music, movies, pot-luck party, picnics, short trips, etc. Meet this month for dinner and conversation. 7 p.m. Golden Peacock Restaurant, 3681 Peralta Blvd, Fremont. (510) 494-9460, (510) 979-1700. c_kumud@hotmail.com.

Dhananjayans' “Bhakthi Margam," farwell tour. V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan are performing their last tour with one of their senior disciples, Padmarani Rasiah Cantu. The program celebrates a quote from Hindu scriptures, “Natyam Bhakthi vivardhanam.” The Dhananjayans have an excellent team of musicians accompanying them. Babu Parameswaran provides vocal support, while Eswar Ramakrishnan will play the violin. Nellai D. Kannan, widely recognized as the top mridangist in the field of bharatanatyam today, will be providing percussive support. CET Theater, 701 Vine St., San Jose. Information: (510) 796-5252, (510) 305 9285; kalaiyer@yahoo.com. www.kalalayausa.org.shekar. (See Calendar preview story.)

Navaratri Dandia Raas and Garba. Organized by VIBHA. Sharvari Dixit and her troupe. Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont.  $12 general. bayarea.vibhadandia.org/dandia.

Navaratri Dandia Raas and Garba. Organized by Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF). Music by Master Dimple Patel and Group. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. $15 general; children under 5 free. Tickets: www.giftofvision.org. (408) 616-8864, (408) 979-9229, (510) 794-8201. sefdandia@gmail.com.

A Celebration Of Ragas, featuring Aashish Khan, Swapan Chaudhuri, Alam Khan, and many others. Presented by Ali Akbar College of Music. Oct. 18-19. AACM Campus, 215 West End Ave., San Rafael. Suggested donation, $5-$10. (415) 454-6264. www.aacm.org.

October 19 Sunday

11th Annual United Nations Film Festival. The United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) is holding its yearly exhibition, originally conceived to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The festival demonstrates how powerful films can be when  dealing with human rights, environmental themes, women’s issues, protection of refugees, homelessness, racism, education, war, and peace. Among many others, the UNAFF will exhibit films focusing on issues affecting in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan. Oct. 19-26. Stanford University, Palo Alto. For showtimes, visit www.unaff.org/2008. (650) 724-5544. info@unaff.org. (See Calendar preview story.)

Pandit Jasraj in Concert. Accompanying Jasraj will be Pandit Samir Chatterjee (tabla), Aditya Narayan Banerjee (tabla), and Tripti Mukherjee (vocals, harmonium). Presented by Bay Area Performing Arts and India Community Center. 5 p.m. Malavalli Hall, India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas. $40 advance, $45 at the door. (925) 947-1908. http://bapa-pg.com. Tickets: (510) 742-0555, (408) 281-0392, or (510) 548-4110. (See Calendar preview story.)

Tabla solo and Hindustani Vocal Music Concert. Presenting Pandit Suresh Talwalkar’s "Laya Sur Taal Yatra" classical music tour. Talwalkar will unfold the concept of "Oneness" of Sur and Taal with vocal accompaniment by Kumar Madur. He will also be accompanied by Savani Talwalkar on the tabla and Chinmay Kolhatkar on the harmonium. Organized by Basant Bahar. 5 p.m. Jain Bhawan Auditorium, 722 S. Main St., Milpitas. $20 general; $15 students/seniors over 70. (510) 870-2244. www.basantbahar.org.

Health, Nutrition, and Weight Loss Seminar. Look and feel younger by increasing the repair and decreasing the damage of your cells at the DNA level. You can have more energy, lose weight naturally—slowly by decreasing the percent of body fat and absorbing the excess skin. System and products based on Natural Botanical plants developed by Unigen Pharmaceuticals. 7-8:25 p.m. Naz Beauty Salon, 460 Persian Drive, Suite 123, Sunnyvale. Free. (408) 252-2880.

Dub Mission Club Night, featuring DJ Sep, Maneesh the Twister (Surya Dub), and Vinnie Esparza(Hella Tight/Dis-joint). 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., San Francisco. $6. Club info: (415) 552-7788. www.dubmissionsf.com.

October 24 Friday

Divali Mela, cultural programs, music, booths. Organized by the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple and Community Center. Oct. 24-26. 420 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale. (408) 734-4554. sunnyvaletemple@hotmail.com.  www.sunnyvaletemple.org.

Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul, an exhibition featuring ancient artifacts recovered in 1978 shortly before the Soviet invasion and presumed lost until they were descovered in the royal palace’s vaults 25 years later, after decades of war and Taliban rule. The artifacts, dating to the Bronze Age (2,500 BCE) through the first century CE, reveal the country’s rich history as a vital part of the ancient Silk Road and shows the complexity of those cultures. The exhibit recently showed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The tour is the first time these artifacts have been moved out of Afghanistan. Showing through Jan. 25. Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 581-3500. www.asianart.org/afghanistan.htm.  (See Calendary preview story.)

Annual Midnight Masquerade, a fundraiser dance party with DJ Cheb I Sabbah and DJ Amar to benefit domestic violence helpline Narika. The event will also feature a raffle drawing, cash bar, and food for sale. All proceeds benefit Narika’s programs and services. Costumes and masks encouraged! 8 p.m. Green Room, San Francisco War Memorial, 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. $20 general advance, $25 at the door; $15 student advance, $20 at the door. (510) 444-6068. www.narika.org.

October 25 Saturday

Diwali Celebrations, for children. Story time and crafts. 3-4:30 p.m. Children’s Room, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, First Floor, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose. (408) 808-2183. www.sjlibrary.org/about/events/index.htm.

Semi-classical Vocal Concert by Manjusha Kulkarni-Patil. Accompanied by Bharat Kamat (tabla) and Tanmoy Deochake (harmonium). 4 p.m. Jain temple auditorium, 722 Main St., Milpitas. $15, $20. (408) 243-9110. swarsudha@swarsudha.org.  www.swarsudha.org

Violin Duet, with Lalgudi Srimathi Brahmanadam and Anuradha Sridhar; and Shriram Brahmanadam (mridangam). 4 p.m. Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave., San Jose. (650) 327-7526. g_swamy@pacbell.net.

Kali Puja Festival, fifth annual cross-cultural celebration of the Dark Mother. All are welcome. 6 p.m. Cultural Integration Fellowship, 2650 Fulton St., San Francisco. Requested donation: $15-21. RSVP: info@sharanya.org.  www.sharanya.org.

Shaam-e-Kathak and Dance Drama “Naari,” by Sangita Nandy and Dipanwita Sengupta, students of Bandana Sen, artistic director of The Nupur Dance Academy. Nandy and Sengupta will present pure kathak accompanied with numerous students and guest artists Susmita Bhattacharya and Pragya Dasgupta. The second half of the event will consist of the dance drama presentation, Naari, that depicts a writer’s narrative of a woman being the most wondrous creation of nature and the various roles she plays all through her life as a mother, daughter, wife, sister, and friend. A special attraction is a Persian dance and kathak fusion with the Berenji Dance Academy. Proceeds will benefit the Bay Area charity Ankura. Main Theater, Cal State East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. (415) 482-8015, (510) 668-0525. (See Calendar preview story.)

Second Annual Hindu and Buddhist Art Auction. The event features over 100 masterworks of contemporary Hindu and Buddhist art, hosted by Siddhartha V. Shah and special guest, Robert Beer, the foremost living authority on Tibetan art. This will be the largest ever showing of modern Hindu/Buddhist art in the United States, with works by featured artists in major museums around the world. The paintings are mostly Tibetan and Nepalese. Proceeds will benefit Himalayan HealthCare, a nonprofit organization providing health services in Nepal. Presented by Sacred Art & Sacred Space. 6 p.m. preview, wine tasting, and silent auction, 8 p.m. live auction. Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Free. RSVP: auction@TantricArt.net.  (510) 225.8183. Siddhartha@TantricArt.net.  www.TantricArt.net.

October 26 Sunday

Partnership Trek, walk across Golden Gate Bridge to help raise funds and awareness to end global poverty. Organized by the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. 8 a.m. Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. (650) 430-0232. www.PartnershipsInAction.org/trek.

Sacred Music, a vocal offering by Sri Karunamayee from the Pondicherry Ashram in New Delhi, India; accompanied by tabla. 11 a.m. Cultural Integration Fellowship, 2650 Fulton St., San Francisco. Free will offering. (415) 668-1559.

Dil Khush Khana, a cook-off. Organized by Indian American Women Empowered. Guests will be encouraged to relax and mingle. Ravishing appetizers and entrees (approximately 20 dishes) will be served along with wine and soft drinks. This is an outdoor event. Those interested in participating for the competition should complete the form on the IWE website and email it in. 4:30 p.m. Silver Creek Country Club 4903 Formby Court, San Jose. $15. RSVP: (408) 891-5324. ia_we@yahoo.com. http://iweusa.org. 

October 28 Tuesday

Divali Celebrations, by Chinmaya Mission San Jose. 7:30 p.m. Sandeepany San Jose, 1050 Park Ave., San Jose. (408) 998-2793.

October 30 Thursday

An Evening with Imran Khan. Khan, former cricket legend from Pakistan and now a vociferous political opponent of former President Musharraf, will give a talk that spans politics, current issues, education, and health care, followed by a Q&A session. Co-sponsored by International House and The Institute of International Studies. Organized by Center for South Asia Studies, UC Berkeley. 6:30 p.m. UC Berkeley, 125 Morrison Hall, Berkeley. Free. (510) 642-3608. http://southasia.berkeley.edu. 

November 2 Sunday

Music Concert by Anupama Chandratreya and students (vocals) Ravi Gutala (tabla), and Manoj Tamhankar (harmonium). 2:30 p.m. Badarikashrama, 15602 Maubert Ave., San Leandro. (510) 278-2444. badarik@pacbell.net.  www.badarikashrama.org.

Bharatanatyam Recital of Shirni Surapaneni and Chinmayi Bettadapur, students of Pasumarthy Ramalinga Sastry, artistic director of Yuvi Bharati, and Savitha Sastry, artistic director of Sadhana Dance Company. Organized by Yuva Bharati. 4-6:30 p.m. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Free. (650) 565-8859. www.yuvabharati.org.

Shiva Shakti’s Dark Night, celebrating Dia de los Muertos through the dance and music of India. Evoking the energies of Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of Death, through Shiva, the Benevolent Destroyer, and Kali, the Fierceful Shakti. A performance to honor death as a welcoming cycle of rebirth, with Jai Uttal devotional singing. Barabara Framm and Nubia Teixeira will perform Odissi temple dances. Attendees are invited to bring a small offering to the community altar (fruit, flowers, pictures, etc.). 5 p.m. Dance Palace in Point Reyes, 503 B St., Point Reyes Station. $18. (415) 663-1075. Tickets: www.jaiuttal.com.  nubia@bhaktinova.com.

November 8 Saturday

Gala and Fundraiser for Literacy in Pakistan. Developments in Literacy (DIL) will host a program with keynote speaker Scott McNealy and a fashion show by Karma. 6 p.m. Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto. (650) 307-2626. www.dil.org.

Images of India, Asha for Education holds 18th annual cultural show. The event will present a unique spectrum of India’s performance arts. All proceeds from the event go to support a wide array of grassroots initiatives in diverse communities across India. 7-9 p.m. International House Auditorium, 2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley. $20, $30, $45 advance; $25, $35, $50 at door ($5 off for students/seniors).  Tickets: www.ashanet.org/berkeley/ioi.  www.ashanet.org/berkeley.

November 9 Sunday

Parampara Performance Series with Seibi Lee. Lee follows in the footsteps of her guru, Pandit Chitresh Das, embodying the depth of his training and emerging as a powerful force in the next generation of kathak artists. Organized by Chitresh Das Dance Company and Chhandam School of Kathak. 7 p.m. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290, Oakland. Tickets: www.Sulekha.com.  (415) 333-9000. www.kathak.org.

November 14 Friday

Shadowdance, gothic and tribal bellydance meets dark Bollywood themes, with special performances by Boom Boom Bollywood from Arizona, Vorona from New York, bellydance superstar Sharon Kihara, DJ Amar and more. Organized by Electric Vardo. 7 p.m. Orbis Nex. 851 81st Ave., Oakland. $33 for seated performance; $20 for Cirque Noir late-night show. (415) 259-8629. www.electricvardo.com.