Ajanta featured on House of Jaya
Thank you, House of Jaya, for featuring Ajanta! There are regular interviews, and then there are some that truly make you think! The questions were so reflective that it felt like writing in a journal.
Check out the writeup here!
About House of Jaya
Celebrate your dual identity with fashion that fuses South Asian elegance and contemporary American style. Each purchase supports aspiring students and women entrepreneurs, creating a more inclusive and empowered world.
Our high-quality, culturally rich designs empower you to express your heritage, while we give back to underserved communities, ensuring that style and purpose come together seamlessly.
5 Free Events in May
May 10 – Día de los niños y libros @ Harold Washington Library
May 13 – Dances & Stories @ Kimberly, Wisconsin
May 18 – Performance @ Skokie Cultural Fest
May 24 – Dances & Stories @ CPL Back of the Yards Branch
May 31 – Rhythmic Exploration of India @ Naperville Public Library
Boys Don’t Dance!
“Boys don’t dance!” Social conditioning is very good at discouraging boys from anything remotely resembling dance. In the first iteration of bG Kids, that is exactly what we saw. Way more girls than boys would enroll.
But I am so happy to share that the number of boys enrolling for my classes is exponentially increasing!! Maybe it’s the word “ADVENTURE” that draws them in. Maybe it’s the PARENTS who are pushing past old narratives.
The best part is that once they are in, they LOVE it!
Here’s to raising a generation that expresses freely and grows without artificial limits!
#IncredibleIndiaAdventures #IndianDance #FolkArt #Hindi
Bollywood Groove at Navy Pier Holi! Sun Times & WBEZ
On Saturday, March 22nd, we received the opportunity to perform at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier at their annual Holi event.
Huge thanks to Chicago Sun-Times (article) and WBEZ (article) for featuring us in their coverage of the event.
Take a look at the amazing performances that our students put together!
Dance
Ages 9 to 12 performed Ghoomar and Kalbelia dances from Rajasthan
Watch Video!
Dance
Ages 6 to 8 performed Dholna Bollywood dance from Rajasthan
Watch Video!
Hindi Language
Ages 6 to 8 describing Holi via Hindi phrases
Watch Video!
Rajasthani Folk Art
Ages 6 to 8 created this wonderful art installation of Hawa Mahal via Phad folk art of Rajasthan.
10 ways to celebrate Holi at Schools
It’s Holi and you plan to do *something* around the festival at your kids’ school.
Or maybe you are a teacher who wants to create a more multicultural and inclusive environment in their classroom.
Here are some easy ways to provide a memorable cultural experience!
1. Introduce the Festival
Give a brief introduction and explain the significance of the festival.
Download the free celebration kit that includes 15 Holi activities along with the school presentation slides.
2. Storytime with Holi Tales
Books are a fantastic way to get the celebration going!
Share age-appropriate stories from Holi such as the legend behind the festival, the deeper meaning behind the festival, and so on. Check out Maya/Neel’s two Bestselling Holi books!
3. Make Fun and simple Holi crafts
Nothing better than a hands-on activity! I love these two because of how easy it is to both arrange for the material and also for kids of all ages to do.
Craft for Older Kids – Sliding Pichkari (download the free celebration kit at the bottom of the page for template and step-by-step instructions)
Craft for Younger kids – Prahlad Bonfire Lamp
4. Screen Kid-friendly Holi videos
Show educational and engaging videos about Holi to help children better understand the mythology and the story of Holi but in a age-appropriate way.
5. Invite a Guest Speaker/Author/Dance Instructor
If possible, bring in a guest speaker from the community, like a parent, author , or cultural educator, to speak about their Holi traditions and answer children’s questions.
An Indian dance workshop is another way to provide a fun and hands-on cultural experience!
Ajanta provides incredibly fun Holi interactive experiences at schools, libraries, and corporates.
6. Host a Holi Quiz
Use this template to host a fun Holi quiz! Offer small rewards for participation to make learning fun and interactive.
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
7. Holi Shark Rhyme
Little kids will absolutely adore this fun Holi rhyme to the tunes of Baby Shark. From Gulaal and Pichkari to Gujiya and Thandai, it has all the fun elements of Holi!
8. Dance Along with this Fun Holi Dance
Works great from K to Grade 5. Other than all the elements of Holi, it also enacts the story of Holi.
9. Holi Spot & Color Activity
The perfect activity to end the day with! The quick quiz will help them remember everything they learned and then they can color the Spot & Color activity page.
Remember, repetition is key for younger kids. While you might get bored, kids love hearing the same fact multiple times 🙂
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
10. Teach Hindi Colors
What a perfect opportunity to learn colors in Hindi!
For younger kids, use this Finger Family rhyme
For older kids, teach them verbally and then give them the “Match the Hindi colors” activity in our free celebration kit. Download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page