Special Event: Desi Day

A daylong celebration of "Desi" culture with a special story time, an author panel, and a culture fair that shares South Asian culture with the community. Presented in partnership with Central Desi.

The word "Desi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "deśa," which translates to "country" or "land." It is also a term used to describe the peoples, cultures, and products of the Indian subcontinent and their diaspora.

This daylong celebration of Desi culture is preceded by a film screening on May 16, and includes a special story time, author panel, interactive culture fair and performances on May 17.

Program Guide to Authors and Presenters

SCHEDULE

Friday, May 16

5:30 p.m. - (Community Room) Bollywood Film Screening of "English Vinglish"

Saturday, May 17

10:30 a.m. (Story Room) - Themed Storytime featuring books by Desi authors and illustrators

1 p.m. (1st floor fireplace) - Desi Author Panel featuring Ambreen Butt-Hussain, Gita Varadarajan, Nisha Sharma, Pallavi Sharma Dixit and Allie Nava. Moderated by Ambreen Ali.

2-3:30 p.m. (1st floor) - Author Book Signing

2-4 p.m. (Community Room) - Desi Culture Fair with interactive stations; dance, music performances on sitar and veena and other presentations start at 2:45 

Pavana B Achar - Veena Demonstration 

Yoshita Chandrani - Sitar Demonstration 

Dr. Laxmisha M. Sridhar - Mrudangam Demonstration

Samira Ghani - Spices of South Asia Presentation

The Mahadeo Degwekar Foundation - Classical Indian Dance Demonstration

For more information on authors and presenters, please refer to the Program Guide

Presented in partnership with Central Desi and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Community Room Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Assistive listening system compatible with personal T-coil-enabled devices (compatible headphones also available for use during programs)
• English-language subtitles for films (when available)
• If there is an accommodation that you need or would like so that you can fully enjoy library programs, please visit our Accommodations Request Form.

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