India Culture Week concludes at Seattle University with a celebration of India’s heritage and diversity
By: Vandana Jhingan
The inaugural India Culture Week (ICW) at Seattle University, held from November 12 to 14, 2024, successfully brought India’s rich cultural heritage to life for students and the Seattle community. The event, organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Seattle, offered an immersive experience that showcased India’s diversity through a variety of exhibitions, performances, and activities.
The celebrations kicked off with an inaugural ceremony attended by Seattle University President, Mr. Eduardo M. Penalver, and the Consul General of India in Seattle. The event was also graced by notable members of the Indian-American diaspora. The program began with a special photo exhibit titled India Through Tim’s Eyes, featuring iconic images from a two-week familiarization trip to India by Seattle-based photographer Tim Durkan and journalist Linda Lowry. Their visit offered them the opportunity to explore India’s diverse regions, which were captured in the exhibit, including photos from states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and New Delhi.
The opening night continued with Natyam: A Dance Mosaic of Bharat, a dynamic cultural performance that highlighted regional dance forms from across India. The performance showcased the beauty and diversity of Indian dance, featuring both classical and folk styles. The evening culminated with a vibrant Indian Food Festival, where attendees sampled an array of dishes from various Indian states, offering a true taste of the country’s culinary variety.
Throughout the three-day event, Seattle University students had the opportunity to engage in a series of enriching cultural and educational activities. On November 13, a yoga session led by an Indian yoga guru offered students an hour of holistic well-being, providing them with a deeper understanding of this ancient practice. The same day, the university’s Lemieux Library unveiled the India Corner, a collection of 100 books focusing on India’s arts, heritage, and culture, generously gifted by the Indian Consulate.
On the final day of India Culture Week, an engaging workshop on Indian Arts Heritage, focusing on the traditional Madhubani painting style, was held. Led by Deepti Designs, the workshop allowed participants to explore this unique art form and learn about its history and cultural significance.
India Culture Week at Seattle University succeeded in promoting a deeper understanding of India’s contemporary culture, offering students and the broader community an interactive platform to engage with India’s heritage through lectures, workshops, and performances. With a focus on showcasing the diversity of India’s culture, this event marked an important step in fostering cross-cultural connections and understanding in the Seattle area.
