Events Calendar

World Culture Day - Hello India!

The rich culture, history, and intrigue of India take the spotlight at Penn Museum Saturday, March 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with Hello India! This special celebration of the vibrant nation welcomes children and families for an afternoon of classical dance performances and workshops, lively music, spicy Indian food, and an assortment of arts and crafts activities for all ages.

The celebration features Penn Thillana, the University of Pennsylvania’s premiere classical Indian dance troupe, inviting guests to learn traditional moves during an interactive workshop, and returning later for a classical dance performance. Performers from Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center of Chalfont, Pennsylvania join the fun, presenting a lecture, demonstration and workshop of Indian dance. Their dance troupe teaches guests about traditional Kummi, Garba and Dandiya folk dances. Visitors can enjoy the colorful sounds of Indian classical music during a performance by Penn Sargam, Penn’s first student group dedicated to the style. And an assortment of family activities is available throughout the afternoon; at a craft station, guests can make their own Rangoli designs, an ancient decorative art form, or create a clay Diya lamp to take home. Visitors can also model authentic Indian attire at a Sari-wrapping station.

Hello India! is FREE with Museum admission, and is co-sponsored by the International Classroom at Penn Museum, the South Asian Center of Penn, Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center, Chinmaya Mission, and Lajna Imaillah.