Lokvani wishes all its reader a very Happy Navaratri !!

India was the largest source of international students in the U.S. in 2024/25, with 363,019 students, followed by China at 265,919.

The Carnatic music maestro Saikrishna Mohan, who is one of the Trichur Brothers talked to Lokvani about his musical journey and their teaching platform for Carnatic music. [more]

On October 3, the Littleton High School stage came alive with an extraordinary celebration of devotion, dance, music, and storytelling through Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi, a spectacular dance production presented by the students of Hema Iyengar (Nritya-Anjali School Of Dance) on the occasion of celebrating 20yrs of her dance school. [more]

by Pandit Bharani 
Navaratri is one of the most sacred and spiritually uplifting festivals in the Hindu tradition. The word Navaratri means “nine nights,” a period dedicated to the worship of Devi—the Divine Mother, the eternal source of Shakti, or divine energy. For nine nights and ten days, devotees turn inward through prayer, fasting, meditation, music, chanting and worship, seeking the blessings of the Mother Goddess for strength, wisdom, prosperity and spiritual transformation.

by Priyanka Mishra 
On September 26, 2026, despite rain and storm predictions, Chinmaya Mission Boston’s new Vanaprastha Program welcomed an almost full house for its inaugural gathering. What began as a sankalpa by our Spiritual Leader, Dr. Shashi Dwarakanath Ji, to create a meaningful and vibrant community for senior participants came alive with tremendous warmth, enthusiasm, and joy.

The Platform, a new performing arts center at 585 Kendall, will hosts a free Opening Day on Sat., Nov. 7. Designed for artists, audiences, community gatherings and creative exchange, the state-of-the-art venue welcomes the community to experience the vibrant new cultural destination in the heart of Kendall Square

During the sacred nine nights of Navaratri, devotees across India worship the many forms of Shakti—the Divine Mother. Among these powerful manifestations, Maa Chamundeshwari holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, particularly in Karnataka. The Karnataka government identifies Chamundeshwari as the presiding deity of Mysuru and the tutelary deity of the former Mysuru royal family.

Dancilla YogaFusion made its first-ever theatrical production in Massachusetts with Neelkanth: The Rise of Shiva, an ambitious fusion of dance, theater, music and visual storytelling presented at the J. Everett Collins Center for the Performing Arts in Andover on October 3rd.

Indian Americans for Burlington hosted a vibrant Diwali Mela at Burlington Commons on October 4, bringing the colors, sounds, flavors, and traditions of India to the local community. Now approaching eight years since its inception, the event has become an opportunity to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and share it with the people of Burlington. [more]

ISKCON Boston celebrated Radhastami, the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, on September 18 with an evening of devotion, music, dance and spiritual reflection at its temple on Commonwealth Avenue. The celebration centered on Sri Radha Gopivallabha and brought devotees together for an inspiring evening of worship and cultural presentations. ISKCON Boston traditionally observes Radhastami through Kirtan, lectures, worship of Srimati Radharani and Prasadam.

by Manorama Choudhury and Rita Pandey
To celebrate America's 250th, SAPNE organized an event 'My American Story' where nealry a dozen immigrants presented there initial experiences as the migrated to the United States.

by Geetha Patil
The Boston Indian-American community was prepared for an evening where classical dance, soulful music and service come together as AIM for Seva presented Radha – The Epitome of Devotion on September 30, 2026,  at the Regis College Fine Arts Center.

by Pramod Pandey
More than 100 scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals from New England’s Indian-origin biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences community gathered in Andover for a DOSTI networking and career development event.

MITHAS presents Lalgudi GJR Krishnan (Violin) and Rupak Kulkarni (Flute) on Saturday Oct. 10th and Sangita Kalanidhi RK Shriramkumar and KS Vishnudev (Carnatic Vocal) on Sunday Oct. 11th.

Jay-Ho! and Dhoom Entertainment jointly present the Hindi musical comedy-drama at the Collins Center on October 11. [more]

This month ISW brings to you Dhwani, Garba, Makeuo Workshop, Family Craft, Karwachauth, Diwali, and Laxmi Pooja.

This weekend will feature Kavish Seth, Dhara, Agomoni, Lotus Festival and Anupam Kher And Swaroop Sampat In Jaane Pehchaane Anjane.

Vibha Garba Night 2026 is bringing friends, families, Garba lovers, first-timers, and the wider Boston community together for an evening of Garba, music, culture, food, and community on October 17 at Newton North High School.

Free Health Fair at Sai Unity Center on Saturday October 17th.

Come celebrate Diwali with South Asian Nation on October 24th in Watertown, MA !! A fantastic event catered towards families and folks in the community that want to have fun!

Boston Bhangra, North America’s largest independent Indian dance competition, has announced the 12 teams that will be competing for the title this year on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. For the first time in its 23-year history, the celebration of northern Indian dance and culture will be split into two categories, Live and Music. [more]

by Suryaa Ramaswamy
I still remember the first time I saw Madhumita Nambiar dance. I found myself watching her far more than I was watching anyone else. About nine years later, I had the privilege of watching her perform a full margam, this time - her 10th Arangetram anniversary performance on September 12, 2026. What unfolded on stage was not simply a celebration of a decade since her debut, but a portrait of a dancer who had grown enormously in both technique and expression.

by Amrutha Ananth 
I first saw Ananya Magesh in August 2023 at her arangetram, when the stage carried the anticipation of a beginning. Three years later, watching her perform a full margam, I became aware of a different measure of growth. The changes were not merely technical. They appeared in the confidence of her pauses, the clarity of her rhythmic choices and her willingness to let a moment unfold before moving on. I was no longer watching a young dancer full of promise, but an artist beginning to inhabit that promise with conviction.

President of the Desai Foundation, Megha talked to Lokvani about the work of the foundation and their upcoming Lotus festival to be held on Oct 10. [more]

Producer of the upcoming fusion theater - Neelkanth, The Rise of Shiva being performed at the Collins Center for the Performing Arts on Oct 3, talked to Lokvani about the production. Inspired by the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripati this unique presentation promises to delight audiences. [more]

United India Association had its Election on September 27th and elected Dr. Neela Gandhi (President), Amit Dutt (Co-President), Jaya Goyal (Vice President), Lovely Singh (Secretary) and Anil Sood (Tresurer). [more]

Vision-Aid's newly launched AI-powered platform "Ability Bazaar: Talent with Disabilities, Apps Without Barriers"  has been named a Runner-Up winner in the global Build with Gemini XPRIZE, receiving a $50,000 award! This is an extraordinary recognition for a Vision-Aid initiative that came together in just 3 short months.

"I am thank full to Deepak Antani, ' Bapu' (from Gandhi Godse -Ek Yudh movie) and movie Director Raj Kumar Santoshi  for making this dialogue a great success..... Secretary General Kumu Gupta.

During Pitru Paksha, I fold my hands in prayer
And search for my ancestors in the quiet evening air
Though years have passed, their memories remain
Like gentle drops of rain after a summer rain

The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study is the largest and longest-running research study of heart disease and diabetes of South Asians in the United States to explain why South Asians develop heart disease at rates two to four times more often than other groups and often a decade earlier. ICC is partnering with other organizations to raise $500,000 for critical biomarker and genetic analyses—helping turn 15 years of research into new insights that could improve and save lives in the South Asian community.

A cough may begin with a cold or a viral tide With tiredness, sore throat, and congestion beside Smoke, dust and polluted air can trouble the chest So protect your breathing and give your lungs rest ... [more]

O Maa Durga, Mother divine
In every heart, may Your blessings shine
Give us courage when we face the night
And fill our lives with wisdom and light

Nine sacred nights, the lamps brightly glow,
As Mother Durga blesses all below;
With prayers and devotion, our hearts become light,
And faith fills our homes with hope and delight...

Moong dal soup is light, protein-rich, easy to digest, and makes a comforting meal. Moong dal + vegetables + lemon makes a particularly nutritious combination: the dal provides protein and fiber, vegetables add vitamins and protective plant compounds, and lemon provides vitamin C that can improve absorption of plant-based iron.

Beetroot juice is a nutrient-rich drink made from beets, naturally high in nitrates, folate, potassium, and antioxidant compounds called betalains. It can be included as part of a balanced diet and has several potential health benefits. [more]

Kayakave Kailasa: Work itself is Kailasa—the abode of Lord Shiva. [more]