Tor Punjaban Di IV, North America’s Premier Giddha Competition…The show will be held on June 9, 2012 in Castro Valley, California with 2 competition categories: live and music.
WHERE:Center for the Arts, 20575 Santa Maria Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546
WHEN:Saturday, JUN 09 2012
1:00PM
HOSTED BY:Tor Punjaban Di
Mantra Sadhana Seminar – Art Of Living Tri Valley
A rare opportunity to learn the meaning and correct chanting of the Mantras – this is the very first Mantra Sadhana Seminar being hosted in the TriValley Area.
What is a mantra? “Mananaat traayate iti mantrah” – That which helps the mind to transcend, that which saves you from repetitiveness is a mantra. A repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from worries. Mantras are universal and can be chanted by anyone. Since 5000 years, people have achieved higher states of consciousness, attained supreme peace and experienced bliss by chanting mantras.
The seminar teaches the correct intonation and meaning of popular ancient Sanskrit Mantras. Knowing the meaning of the mantra invokes peace, love, and leads to a meditative state. Chanting mantras creates subtle vibrations that affect the consciousness in a positive way.
This workshop is open to anyone above 16 yrs of age. The course consists of theoretical background on different branches of Vedas and basics of Vedic chanting with its specific style consisting of udaat (high), anudaat (low) and svarit (middle) notes. This course also covers common Mantras and ensures that the student understands the meaning of the Mantras and master the correct intonation for chanting the mantras
This will be taught by Prof V. Sastry who is an Engineering Professor and is a priest at Halifax Hindu Temple in Canada.
Introduction to Mantra Sadhna Seminar and Interview with SastryJi:
Register for the course at http://aoljgd.org/MSS
Fully Licensed Day Care
Summer Enrichment Program Mon-Fri, 7am to 4pm
After School Care for ‘Live Oak Elementary School’ in San Ramon, students from pickup to 6pm.
Contact- Zainab: 925-699-5432
Alterations for Indian and Western clothing – in Windmere
If you are interested in Clothing Alterations, for Indian or Western Clothing, please contact me at 925-415-5222. I am located in Windmere, in San Ramon.
Volleyball Championship in San Ramon
Spandana Foundation is organizing “2nd Annual Spandana Volleyball Championship 2012” in San Ramon, CA 
Date: 19th May 2012 (Saturday)
Venue: Central Park, San Ramon, CA
Registration Fee: $60 until 30th April 2012; $80 after that.
Registration on Website: http://www.spandana.org/volleyball2012.html
Register to support the cause. Winners and Runners up will get team cups and individual cups. Each team should have a minimum of six players, and two extra. Teams can be mixed men and women. Awards of 100 USD for winning teams each category: Beginners, Advanced, Youth.
Contact [email protected]
Home Daycare for toddlers in Windmere
Caring and safe home environment where little ones are encouraged to express themselves through independent play and group activities; Licensed for over 4 years in San Ramon. Call for more information.
- First Aid and CPR certified and TB test clearance .
- 8 years experience.
Contact: Tirmala – Windmere Ph# 925-415-5222
Pleasanton – Licensed Day Care/Preschool/AfterSchool
Licensed quality child care in Pleasanton available now. I am a qualified ECE teacher, with Montessori experience and training. My curriculum is based on the Montessori and Waldorf methods of teaching. I provide hot vegetarian lunch as part of my daily lunch program. I offer full time and half time options. I can speak English, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada fluently, which will help your child immensely in their language development. Call now as I have limited seats.
Number: (650) 585 6823
BTVA volleyball tournament
BTVA is oranizing Volleyball Championship 2012 on May12, Saturday.
This is a fundraising event aimed to raise funds for the new construction of Balaji Temple @ 5004 N. First St, San Jose, CA 95002.
Balaji temple is a non-profit hindu temple dedicated to share the universal truth of vedas and upanishads of India.
If you would like to sponsor the event, please email: [email protected]
To register, please follow link: http://goo.gl/x5QRG
Hindu Heritage Camp for Kids Apr 8
We are having a Hindu Heritage Camp for kids (age 5 yrs to 13 yrs) at Dublin Library on 8th April (Sunday) from 1 PM – 4:30 PM. With a perfect blend of cultural activities, games and sports and religious lessons, HHC is proven to be an effective medium to impart Hindu values to the children while they make many friends. The following are the activities to be held the coming Sunday afternoon:
- Ice Breakers for kids to get acquainted with others and feel comfortable as a group.
- Warm-up exercises for kids to get ready to play games.
- Games where kids have fun and channelize their loads of energy.
- Shlokas to be recited during various times of a day – waking up, food, study time, sleep.
- Art and Crafts to realize their innate creativity and artistic talents.
- Story telling where kids learn moral and historic stories to develop great character.
- Discussions where they can address common challenges faced by kids at school.
There will finally be a kids performance of what they learn as well. Please register immediately at http://bit.ly/hhcpleasanton.
Where: Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568
When : April 8th, 2012
Time: 1 PM – 4:30 PM
Fees: $11/Family (goes towards Balgokulam souvenir and Balagokulam magazine annual subscription)
Contact: Smita @ 925-354-4396 and Shailaja @ 925-931-0654
Email id: [email protected]
Forward it to all those who want their kids to be confident Hindus!
Unique Online Hindi Immersion Program For Kids!
While most desis would like their children to know basic Hindi (or other regional mother tongues for that matter), many non-desis would find it valuable if their children could speak another language. And yes Mandarin, Spanish, but why not even Hindi, especially if you are in the Bay Area?
Problem is, where to start, and how to maintain it? Enter Cheeni for Tots’ “Let’s Enjoy Hindi in Just 13-min a Day” Program.
The program evolved from the children’s Hindi-English storytime that the founder Rakhi Sharma conducted at the Alameda County Library. And now some of her focus is moving to the Tri Valley Area since some of the initial patrons moved to this area, and she got suggestions from friends that it would be good to share it with TriValley residents as well.
More on the program:
It is a unique program with rich-multimedia content (audios, videos, Talking Board (TM), worksheets, charts, evaluation, and more), the 13-min a Day System, and weekly live, on-line, interactive sessions. 
Research shows that a simple way to enhance intelligence, creativity, self-esteem, and academic ability in kids is to give them the gift of knowing more than one language. And, this can be valuable and can be done, even if the parents do not know the language. A very easy way to start this process is by having your kids have fun with the new language, which is the goal of the 13-Min A Day program.
The best part is the program is designed for those who have no initial exposure to, or familiarity with, Hindi and contains instructions in English, so that non-native speakers of the language (both parents and kids!) can start learning the language together, with no problems what-so-ever (thanks to our clever system and innovative tools).
To find out all the exciting details about the philosophy behind this program, the content, the secret of the 13-min A Day system, what parents are saying, as well as registration and sign-up details, you can watch an interesting video at http://www.cheenifortots.com
Based on interest from Tri Valley Area, Cheeni for Tots could do a special webinar dedicated just to Tri-Valley parents where Rakhi could educate them more about the program and its value.
Ushanjali School of Dance Annual Day in San Ramon
Annual Day STUDENT SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE by the Students of Ushanjali School of Dance will be held in the Multipurpose Room, Windemere Ranch Middle School, San Ramon on Saturday, APR 21 2012 at 5:00PM.
The school imparts Training in primarily Bharatanatyam, as also in Indian Folk Dances, Semi Classical Dances, Indian Fusion and Contemporary Dances out of 3 locations: San Ramon, Pleasanton, Fremont.
Instruction is open to age 5 years onwards, for a nominal fee, four times a month. For more information contact [email protected]
Tamil Chithirai Thiruvizha in Pleasanton Apr 14
Tamil activities continue to take center stage with Tamil Manram bringing a FREE fun filled afternoon of events at Hart Middle School, Pleasanton for traditional Chithirai Thiruvizha.
Chithirai Thiruvizha (Festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitirai) is an annual celebration during the month of April, with roots in Madurai. It is one of the longest celebrations of the world and lasts for one month. The first 15 days of the festival is celebrated for Meenakshi, and the next 15 days are celebrated for Alagar.
Chithirai Thiruvizha 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2 PM
Hart Middle School
4433 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
- புலி வேஷம், மயிலாட்டம், ஒயிலாட்டம், பொய்க்கால் குதிரை, முளப்பாரி வைத்தல், பூக்கோலம், காட்சிப் படங்கள், காணொளிகளுடன் கூடிய கண்காட்சி, பொருட்காட்சி
- பம்பரம், பல்லாங்குழி, பரமபதம், பாண்டியாட்டம் போன்ற விளையாட்டுக்களின் செயல்முறை விளக்கங்கள்
- கனிவான நிகழ்ச்சிகள், போட்டிகள் மற்றும் பரிசுகள்
Happy Holi, and too bad no Holi colors this year as well
Happy Holi!
After the grand Holi Dhamaal in 2010 organized by TVIA in the Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, we saw no one coming forward to organize one last year, and of course not this year as well. Holi sure is a fun time. Its one time when even strangers from the community can come together and get playful with each other. Bonhomie, dance, music is in the air. The fun is unique in itself, and sets up a good, interesting instance of an Indian festival for children.
If we don’t see an impromptu gathering in the Emerald Glen park, or elsewhere in the Tri Valley Area on the weekends of 10th/11th March, or even the next one, lets see if some of us would like to step up in ensuring we don’t go without one next year (2013).
Please participate in the poll below, if you can. Please provide an update for others if you or some group you know plans to get together to throw some colors for this year as well.
[polldaddy poll=6017680]
Please contact admin[a]trivalleydesi.com if you would like to help organize next year.
There is something wrong with daily deals … Until Now!!
Lately – “Big Daily Deal” concept has taken hold. Millions of consumers are bombarded with offers every single day, telling them what to buy, when to buy, and if they do not buy it, they are doomed. Consumers are told,
- Today you deserve a day at the spa, even though you may not be interested in one
- Tomorrow get a haircut at saloon that you have never been to before and will never go to again
- Day after tomorrow, eat at this restaurant, 40 miles away from your home, where you will never visit again
There is more unknown deal coming your way the day after… Keep waiting until “figure out what you may (or may not) want.
Icing on the cake is look on the poor merchant’s face, he was probably convinced to offer that he did not really want to sign up for, but has to honor it. He is trying to read in your eyes and ask 
- Are you going to buy more than the coupon value?
- How many coupons are you going to use?
- Are you someone who is a repeat customer?
Have you ever felt that you are being judged by this merchant? it is not a great feeling.
I thought, there is something fundamentally wrong with direction of the offers market. Is there something that can be done? How can we help the local businesses manage their campaigns in a cost effective way, so they can offer the most discount to the customers, not the middleman. Business owners make offers that they want to, and they will be happy to honor it. Customer knows that they will always find a local deal at a single place when they want it, not when they are told by the “Big Daily Deal Company” and above all, it should be simple to use, not cluttered with all kind of irrelevant information.
So here it is… my attempt to provide a unique experience to restaurant owners and its patrons through www.b4eatingout.com . A website, which has local deals, up to the minute updated by local restaurant owners/managers. Whether you are stepping out for a quick lunch or planning a family dinner, always check B4 EATING OUT.
Would you like 15% off your bill at Favorite India or A Free Appetizer at Hyderabad Biryani house in San Ramon or Free Entrée at Luna Loca in Danville.. Check the site. A lot more restaurants are coming up. Deals can be printed, emailed or viewed on any device. ALL DEALS are valid when presented from your mobile device…
Check www.b4eatingout.com . Your feedback is crucial and appreciated. Leave your comments
California Meditates – Take the meditation challenge
California Meditates – the meditation challenge comes to Dublin/San Ramon.
Get ready to meditate for 30 days – attend an Open House, get your questions answered, get updated about tools/support available. Its a novel wellness campaign (from the Art of Living Foundation), of empowering people from various backgrounds to use meditation as a practical & effective tool to increase one’s well-being and quality of life includes the following highlights: Easy to access Meditation sessions, Opportunities for Group Meditations, Gala Meditation Celebrations, etc.
Registration Fee waived till Feb 21.
When: Saturday, March 3, 2012 11:00 am
Where: ART OF LIVING – Tri Valley Center
6690 Amador Plaza Rd
Dublin, CA 94568
How:
Official Website
Tickets
Cost: $0.00 – $25.00
What/Why: The Meditation Challenge
Benefits of regular meditations include greater peace of mind, better focus, increased enthusiasm. A common question that a beginner or any others may ask is how to keep up the practice. The Meditation Challenge offers an opportunity to be guided into meditating daily with some consistency, for a month or less.
Easy, Convenient & Effective
Experience some benefits of meditation through a few days of practice. To support you the challenge offers
* Easy access to guided meditations
* Guidance from experts to help you have a better meditation experience.
* Fun, comraderie- Invite your friends/coworkers to the challenge.
How do I Get Started?
*Register for the challenge & meditate each day.
*Join us for group meditations each week.
*Win prizes each week as you complete the challenge
Tamil Pattimanram Entertainment Festival in San Ramon
Tamil Manram is proud to present an entertaining afternoon of pattimanram by ‘Sivaji’ fame Pattimanram thiru. Raja (on Feb 12). The title for pattimanram is “திருமண வாழ்வில் அதிகம் விட்டுக் கொடுத்து அனுசரித்துப் போகிறவர் ஆண்களே! பெண்களே!”
The evening promises to be one to laugh, think and join the debate!
If you are interested to participate in the pattimanram here are the rules.
Participant must be a member of Tamil Manram. If you are not a member, you can become a member online.
Prepare a 5 minutes audio or video on the pattimanram topic, either favoring men or women. If you create a video send it as YouTube link. Send the audio clip/video link to JP at [email protected] and Venu [email protected].
Deadline to submit your entry is February 5, 2012.
Once selected, participant must pay $25 participation fee (which includes admission ticket)
Pattimanram
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 P.M.
Quail Run Elementary School
4000 Goldenbay Avenue
San Ramon, CA 94582 [ Map ]
$10 (members); $12 (non-members)
Purchase tickets online
Dog Walking / Pet Home care in July to Aug
Planning to go to India in July for a month. I am looking for a College girl/boy to take my dog for walks at least two times a day. Willing to pay $250 /month. I am living in San Ramon, CA. Call me at 310-817-9881 to get more details.
Two Day Bengali Theater Festival in Pleasanton
Natya Mela 2012, a two day Bengali Theater Festival will be organized by Sanskriti in Pleasanton on Feb 4 and 5. Sanskriti is a Bay Area’s prominent Cultural and Charitable Association.
Venue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road,Pleasanton,CA,94566
Feb 4, 2012 – Saturday
3:15 PM “Bhul Swargo” Actopia, Bay Area
4:20 PM “Ekti GaNye Thaki” ECTA, New Jersey
5:55 PM – 6:40 PM Break
6:45 PM “Thikana” Brishchik, Seattle
Feb 5, 2012,Sunday
2:15 PM “Burkah Nama” Auditiya, Bay Area
3:00 PM “Norok Gulzar” Ankur, Sacramento
4:05 PM – 4:35 PM Break
4:40 PM “Tiktiki” Re-Act(Houston-Durgabari) Texas
Tickets are 20 – 30 USD, with a combo for two days for 40.
Check here for synopsis of the plays, and to book.
Last year, in October, Sanskriti was involved in organizing a festival to celebrate Durga Puja Other Cultural Programs and activities, including games like Carom and Table Tennis. As well they organized an event to pay tribute to Rabindra Nath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th Birth Anniversary at the same location Amador Theater, Pleasanton.
ThinkTank Learning College Admission Seminar
For high school students, ThinkTank Learning Pleasanton Branch is organizing a College Admission Seminar with Topic: Secrets of 2012 Early Decision Results Revealed
Cost: Free
Date: Feb. 5, 2012 at Time: 2:30pm
Location: San Ramon Community Center (Terrace Room) 12501 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon CA
Please RSVP at [email protected] or (925) 226-7930
Dublin Library hosts an intriguing workshop on the Spiritual Practice of Chanting
On 29th January, 2012 (Sunday) attend a free workshop on the Spiritual Practice of Chanting at the Dublin Library. The workshop would cover topics like what is Chanting, what name of God should one chant, how should one chant and benefits of Chanting.
- Venue: Dublin Public Library 200 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568
- Language: English
- Date: Sunday, 29 January 2012
- Time: 2.00 PM – 3.30 PM
- Total seats available: 30
This event is being organized by the Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF). SSRF’s aim is to “educate society on the spiritual dimension and how it affects our lives. We conduct research and convey knowledge about the spiritual dimension to help people understand it, advise those who are curious to experience it for themselves, and guide those who have intense desire for spiritual growth and God-realisation towards achieving their goal.”
SSRF was founded with the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale. As a Consultant Clinical Hypnotherapist, he had learned that some of his patients with whom he had very little success, had recovered after adopting spiritual remedies such as visiting sacred places, remaining in the holy company of spiritually evolved people (Saints) or performing certain religious rituals. After interacting with Spritual minded people, he concluded that there are spiritual causes behind not just illnesses of patients, but also behind all major events and most problems in life. He worked tirelessly in the field of Spirituality to share with others his research into the understanding of the spiritual dimension using a scientific approach. The believers also believe in their ability to perceive the subtle dimension or the unseen world, or in other words, sixth sense.
The organization is based out of Australia, has very active member base in Europe, and also registered in the USA.
Not sure what brought the workshop to the Dublin (California) Library, but it may be worth attending – even if just to get more exposed to the intriguing concept.
Check out this video on the concept:
Understand Your Child Workshop
Understand Your Child – Workshop will be conducted on February 3rd, 2012 – 7:00pm in Dublin, CA.
Parenting can prove to be a very rewarding experience in one’s life. Because of the changes in our lifestyles, values and human relations, parenting is also becoming a challenge with parents having to deal with many issues related to children’s behaviour. Often parents are found saying my kid
· Does not listen to me
· Jumps around and breaks many things
· Does not eat properly
· Is just glued to the TV all the time
· Is just not interested in studies, etc.
Understand Your Child workshop is a 2.5 hour interactive seminar from the Art of Living which helps parents deal with several such issues by finding the root cause behind them. It gives them an insight into how children think and thus a better understanding of their behavior. It points out small things that adults tend to overlook that may have a deep impact on children. Several hundred such workshops have been conducted benefiting many thousands of parents making their relationships with their children much more harmonious.
Please click on the following link to register for the workshop: http://secure.artofliving.org/event_details.aspx?event_id=102175
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Date & Timings: Feb 3rd 2012 Friday at 7.00 p.m.
Course Location: 6690 Amador Plaza Road, #215, Dublin, CA 94568
Contact Information: Sridhar Nomula (510) 334-7908 and Rashmi Patel (925) 3361203
Invite your friends, family& peers!
Looking to hire Office Assistant
Recently moved our office to Pleasanton and looking to hire an Office Assistant. Excellent communication and computer skills are important.
No prior experience needed. Flexible work hours can be worked out.
Only looking for long term players.
Leave a message here or call 408.216.7280.
Jhankar Live Bollywood Music at the Dublin Library
Stop by at the Dublin Library on Sat, Jan 28 for a “breathtaking” bollywood music concert by Jhankar Live. Started in 2006 by a group of passionate music enthusiasts, the team excels in presenting soft, melodious songs as well as fast-paced numbers. 
JhankarLive also performs for charitable causes and supports education and artistic talent development of poor children. Members of JhankarLive, fondly called “the jhankaris”, are all full-time employees of leading Bay Area organizations. Since its very first year of performing, Jhankar Live has performed to massive applause and rave reviews. For more information about the free afternoon concert, please call (925) 828-1315 or write to [email protected].
An afternoon of Bollywood Music
Saturday, January 28
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dublin Library
200 Civic Plaza, Dublin
(925) 828-1315
Update: Jan 28, 2012
The group performed to a packed hall. The songs were chosen in memory of late Deva Anand and Shammi Kapoor. Entertaining!
Pleasanton’s Downtown Yoga takes you on a retreat to India
Local Pleasanton based ‘Downtown Yoga’ is organizing a “Return to India” – a 14-night/14-day retreat in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If you wanted to visit India with a Yoga twist, this could be your chance! Dates are February 11-25, 2012.
Danae Robinett and Jim Coughlin will host and guide the group. The group will be staying at the Kondai Lip Backwater Heritage Retreat Center. This event is limited to 24 guests. Pricing is Single $3,490 per person, Double $3,190 per person, Triple $2,990 per person. All guests will be responsible for their round-trip airfare to and from Bangalore.
The pricing includes 14-nights accommodation fees, all yoga practice fees, all travel to and from the Kochin Airport to the Kondai Lip Retreat Center in Kerala, all internal travel to and from sacred sites and tour events, all meals, all event coordination.
Downtown Yoga is located on Main Street in Pleasanton, California. Number is 925-819-9983.
They align most closely with the Iyengar Yoga Tradition and integrate several fundamental directions from the Yoga Sutra of Patanajali in their philosophy & teaching.
The next Spring Renewal Retreat will be from April 28 – May 5, 2012 that takes you to Haramara Retreat Center in Sayulita, Mexico.
Local student on Christmas and Holidays
The ‘melting pot’ that is America is at no time more evident than during the holiday-season. It reaches the crescendo at Christmas, when, whatever your ethno-religious background, you just don’t want to NOT be a part of all the revelry. What does it then mean for non-Christians, especially as you see yourself doing more for Christmas, than for your own festivals?
Shalaka Gole, a budding student of journalism from California High School in San Ramon lays it out rather nicely in an article posted on December 23, 2011 in San Ramon Patch .
An All-American Christmas, the Hindu Way:
There is nothing like the voices of Dean, Bing, Ella, Frank, and Judy to ring in the holiday season. This year, I started listening to Christmas music on Nov. 28. Our family’s old prelit tree stands decked out in the corner as early as Dec. 4th. And I was planning Christmas presents to my friends before Thanksgiving.
This is all pretty standard American stuff, but I did all this disregarding the fact that I was raised as a Hindu in an Indian house.
I wholly subscribe to the American idea of Christmas, along with my immigrant parents and little brother. We do dress up and cook for Diwali, every year. But Christmas presents are also the norm, decorating the tree is a major event and Santa came for my little brother for 10 years. We have been willingly sucked into the commercialism and culture of the season, and I’m not terribly sorry.
I used to feel guilty about liking Christmas and felt like I was trying to fit myself into an idea of Christianity that I don’t believe in. I wasn’t sure of what it meant for me to love Christmas, a holiday that wasn’t really mine to celebrate.
But I’ve started thinking of Christmas as a culturally American time, where different kinds of people can come together for many different reasons. To some it may rightfully mean the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but to others like me, it means the mood and actions of all those around me.
There is something about the feeling of the holidays that makes the cold air less biting and puts everyone in a better mood. People smile more, sing more, count their blessings, and give to others. At school, I see Jews, Christians, Hindus, and religiously confused teenagers alike talk about how much they love the atmosphere. It’s cliché, but I think the cliché stems from truth.
I think Christmas can be said to embody America, commercialism and a profit-driven mentality mixed in with charity and good feeling, shared by those of all ethnic backgrounds. It has become a holiday anyone can celebrate, and include or leave out the pieces they wish.
This year, I’ll spend Christmas weekend eating a home-cooked Jewish meal, opening presents, listening to Sinatra and sharing with my Jewish, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Christian friends, making it a truly American holiday.
Pleasanton School to host Spandana Spelling Bee 2012
Harvest Park Middle School, Pleasanton will host Spandana Spelling Bee 2012 on Saturday, 4th February 2012 Time: 10 AM to 7PM. It will be open to students from the entire Bay Area. The purpose is to encourage kids to excel in their spelling habits.
Registration fee: $20 until 10th Jan 2012, $25 until 29th Jan 2012
Last date for registration: 29th Jan 2012 11:00 PM
Categories:
- Junior Bee (1st to 3rd grades)
- Intermediate Bee (4th to 5th grades)
- Senior Bee (6th to 8th grades)
There will be 3 Winners from each category. Winners will get trophies and certificates. All participants will get certificates.
For Rules, Guidelines, Sample Words and Registration, please visit www.spandana.org/spellingbee.html
Spandana will provide reference material for preparation upon registration. All students from any schools in Bay Area are encouraged to participate. 10% of registration fee will be given to schools/PTAs that support this event.
Patel Grocery opens in San Ramon on December 17th
Patel Grocery opens in San Ramon on Dec 17 near San Ramon Club sport on Bollinger Road. There will be special prices for few item during our 10 days grand opening till December 26th. For further info please call us on 925-415-9198.
Store location is 500 Bollinger Canyon Way, Suite A-9, San Ramon, CA
Store hours : 10 am to 9 pm
View Larger Map
100 devotees to chant the 1000 names of Lord Ayyappa
For the first time ever, Ayyappa Samaaj will be conducting this very special puja for Lord Ayyappa on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Livermore Temple. On this day, at least 100 devotees are needed to chant the 1000 names of Lord Ayyappa. All devotees are requested to participate in this event LAKSHA ARCHANA on DEC 17 2011 @ 4:00 PM and receive HIS blessings. Register for Laksha Archana and/or Maala Dhaarana (Deeksha).
Also, all devotees are invited to attend Ayyappa Bhajan, Archana & Abhishekam at the Livermore Shiva-Vishnu temple on Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 6:00 PM. Every month, on Uttara Phalguni thithi, bhajans, abhishekam and archana are scheduled at the Livermore temple.
Schedule (Sunday, December 18, 2011):
6:00 PM Sankalpam, Abhishekam
6:30 PM Bhajan Starts with Sharana Ghosham
7:00 PM Bhajan Ends, Aarti and Maha Prasadam
This is part of Ayyappa Samaaj’s Mandalam Season 2011 – From 11/16/11 To 1/15/2012.
About Mandalam Season: The months of Kaartika / Vrishchika, Maargazhi / Dhanur are most auspicious for Lord Ayyappa, during which period Mandala Puja is celebrated. Devotees observe traditional austerities (vratham), which normally start from the first day of Kaartika/ Vrishchikam (November 16). Devotees initiate the vratham by wearing a Thulasi or a Rudraksha maala. After 41 days (on December 25th) the devotees end their vratham by carrying Irumudi and removing the maala. (Kids can observe short vratham days by wearing maala on December 17th and end it on December 25th). On January 15, 2012 we will also celebrate Makara Vilakku puja.
Free YOGA CLASSES Every Saturday
HCCC HUMAN SERVICES PRESENTS
Weekly Yoga Classes
Where: Temple Assembly Hall
Shiva-Vishnu Temple
1232 Arrowhead Avenue
Livermore, CA 94551
When: Every Saturday
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M
Yoga Bharati conducts FREE yoga classes at Shiva-
Vishnu temple, Livermore every Saturday. To enroll in the
yoga class, attend any Saturday class and sign up with the
instructor.
FREE College Admission Seminar – Learn about Extracurricular Activities
Free College Admission Seminar – Learn about the importance of extracurricular activities
Time: Saturday, 12/3/2011, 4-6pm
Location: San Ramon Community Center (Terrace Room)
Please RSVP @ (925) 226-7930 or [email protected]
Free Health Advisory Services and Health Fair
Do you need medical advice from a health care professional? If so, HCCC offers free health clinic every Saturday. Also check out the Health Fair on Dec 3.
Free Health Advisory Services
Where: Temple Assembly Hall
Shiva-Vishnu Temple
1232 Arrowhead Avenue
Livermore, CA 94551
When: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M
THIS SERVICE IS FREE! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! NO HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIRED!
Any question, please contact temple at 925-449-6255.
Health Fair on 3rd Dec
Free medical advice on Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Women’s Health, Nutrition & Diet, Chiropractic Services, Physical Therapy and Eye Disorders.
When: 3rd Dec 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M
Free evaluation: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and
Cholesterol
For more information please contact Suman Jain at
[email protected] or call the temple at 925-449-6255.
Karvachauth – Tradition and Fun
Its Karvachauth time, again. If you live in the Tri Valley area, this year (2011) as well you can head out to Livermore Temple for the Karva Chauth Puja / Katha. There will be three sessions on Saturday, Oct 15, 2011 – including at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The pooja sessions can be joined only in the beginning, else one would need to wait for the next session.
Within Bay Area, Sunnywale, Fremont Temples typically have huge gatherings of women coming coming in the evenings for Thali Puja. In the Tri-Valley area, the Livermore Temple is slowly but steadily becoming a nodal point for this north-Indian style puja as well (even as its predominantly a Venkateswara temple). 
Mehndi/Henna – Putting Mehndi on the day, or the day prior, is also a big part of the tradition. Can’t see someone professional catering to the Tri Valley residents. So its either Do-It-Yourself, or there are other places in Bay Area to head to for about 25 bucks: Lovely Sweets-Tisha (Fremont) – 510-396-7501, or Sadia Fashion House (Fremont) – 5109968062, and probably many others.
There is special food for this festival too. Most of the grocery stores or “Sweet Shops” (like Cafe Tazza) in Dublin/Pleasanton will carry the stuff – Matthi (mostly sweet), Phenia-Jalebi, Cocunut, etc. is traditionally required.
At least in northern India, this festival has become a big fun (and big money and more!) event (beauty treatment and spas in Ludhiana, botox for Karwa Chauth in Delhi, and and even a Karvachauth mobile app that turns the screen of your phone into a ‘sieve’ / ‘chalni’, through which one can see the moon). There apparently are no big events or get-togethers that have caught up here, but don’t be surprised to see desi women, probably traditionally attired, in movie theatres in Hacienda and elsewhere during the day this time around! Get togethers in the evening to watch the chand (moon) together has become quite common, followed by dinner pot lucks.
The last thing is the big wait for the moon – that, especially on this day, seems always to play hide and seek. Moonrise on Oct 15 this year is slated to be at 8:38 PM for San Francisco.
About: Karva Chauth is an annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu and some Sikh women in North India and parts of Pakistan in which married (and some un-married) women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands (or future husbands). The fast is observed in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The festival has become a big deal with Indian diaspora, including in US.
Rising Tri Valley Asian Indian Population
According to 2010 Demographic Profile Data, 11.3% of San Ramon, 7.4 of Pleasanton, and 6.8% of Dublin population is now of Asian Indian Origin.
This is a reasonably high concentration of Asian Indian population in one valley area. And if you live here, its not a surprise anymore if you see an even higher percentage of your desi brethren once you are driving in the shopping catchment area of Dublin, living in a residential cluster like Windermere, or even shopping in a place like Costco, or Babys-r-us (that tells an even different story!)
- Dublin has 3,116 Asian-Indians, i.e 6.8% of total population
- Pleasanton has 5,214 Asian-Indians, i.e 7.4% of total population
- Livermore has 1,578 Asian-Indians, i.e 1.9% of total population
- San Ramon has 8,179 Asian-Indians, i.e 11.3% of total population
- Danville has 745 Asian-Indians, i.e 1.8% of total population
In San Ramon, where public schools are excellent and quite some new housing has been built in the last decade, Indians skyrocketed from 1,463 in 2000 to 8,179 in 2010, a jump of 459%.
City of Pleasanton, with good housing and schools, shot up 175.29% from 1,894 Indians in 2000 to 5,214 in 2010.
Dublin, a smaller city really came up from behind, with only 672 (2.2%) of its residents from India in 2000, to a new number of 3,116, an increase of 363%. This is attributable again to good schools, new upcoming housing, and better connectivity.
The numbers reflect the demographic patters of some other dynamic parts of California economy.
Indian Americans now constitute 22.6% of the population in Cupertino, 18.08% in Fremont, 15.52% in Sunnyvale, 13.64% in Santa Clara and 11.46% in Union City. By numbers, the state of California, San Jose remains first with 43,827 Indians, followed by 38,711 in Fremont and 32,996 in Los Angeles.
Aaccording to Census 2010 data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Indian American population in California rose from 360,392 residents in 2000 to 528,176 in 2010, an increase of 46.4%. In Counties, Alameda (from 47,194 to 72,169) and Contra Costa (from 13,376 to 18,255).
Tamil Cultural Celebration Muthamizh Vizha in Pleasanton
Muthamizh Vizha – Celebration Of Tamil Culture – Literature, Music, Dance and Drama, especially related to ancient art forms is being held in Harvest Park Middle School Pleasanton, CA on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM.
The title for makkaL vivaatha arangam is குழந்தைகளை வளர்ப்பதில் முக்கியப் பங்கு வகிப்பது – தாயா? தந்தையா?
If you are interested in participating in makkaL vivaatha arangam, please contact Sridharan Minor, VP Cultural at [email protected].
- Muthamiz Vizha
- Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM
- Harvest Park Middle School – 4900 Valley Ave Pleasanton, CA 94566
- Free for Tamil Manram members.
Tamil Manram is committed to the growth of Tamil cultural activities in the bay area. Tamil Manram regularly conducts Children’s events and encourages our children to learn Tamil language and Tamil culture.
Remember ‘zindagi na milegi dobara’? Tomato battle in Alameda County Fairgrounds
Desi’s are now totally aware of the Spain’s Tomato Fight Festival La Tomatina – courtesy the movie ‘zindagi na milegi dobara’. Well, a baby, but fun version of a similar – Tomato Battle:NorCal is coming to Alameda Farigrounds (Pleasanton) on October 1st. It’s an all-day event featuring a beer garden, battle of the bands/rock show, and a GIANT FREAKING TOMATO FIGHT!!!
www.tomatobattle.com – Costs $40 – teens and up!
Here is a video from past Tomato Battles:
Pakistani Group performs in Pleasanton Fairgrounds
A musical mela will be bring forth entertainment for Pakistani youngsters on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at the Alameda County fair ground in Pleasanton, California. There is no entry fee for the show, which is scheduled to start at 11:00 am, while the music session will begin around 2pm onwards. The show is presented by the Pakistan association of San Francisco bay area (PASF) and PakMusic.net. It features a live performance of Kamijee and the North American Tour team for the first time in the Bay area.
Free Public Speaking Class
Due to popular demand, Genius Kids is offering FREE public speaking classes this week (Sept 12, 13). Give your child the best life skill – effective communication, self confidence and critical thinking skills, the ability to interact in any social situation.
Monday September 12, 2011 – from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for Grades K-3rd.
Tuesday September 13, 2011 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for Grades 4th-8th.
Personal Benefits:
- learn to be more sensitive and skilled communicator
- public speaking encourages you to look inside yourself and explore what matters to you–>share
- learn to consider listeners-what do they want, need, like,care about
- learn the power of speech-words have emotional content
- words can hurt, heal, create, build, transform
- in the beginning there was only speech…learner may only have speech
- learn to focus topic, how to structure, learn to listen, critically evaluate, discriminate type of message, appeal is it valid?
- learn to be active in learning–speak up and learn
Practical Benefits:
- can give or get help in class
- oral communications always one of top skills demanded by employer- what occupation doesn’t need it?
- learn to speak concisely, clearly and confidently
- will help you speak out in important situations, as parent, citizen, customer, tax payer Social Benefits
- nature of human to form groups- depends on communication skills
- learn ability to persuade others—change things for better–be involved- seek civil justice, human rights-democracy-freedom of speech
Dandia in Pleasanton Fairgrounds – Oct 15, 2011
SEF Dandiya will be organized on Oct 15, 2011 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton featuring Dhol Baaje Entertainment, like last year. Tickets are $15 – and recommended to be purchased in advance as they WILL be sold out on the day (at actually any dandiya event). This is your only other chance to attend garbha this year in the Tri Valley, other than one Organized by Windemere Friends
- Free garba/dandia lessons available from 6:00-7:00pm on the event day for those who have purchased the tickets.
- Contact [email protected]
- Free Parking
- Complimentary checkin of dandia sticks while you enjoy Garba
- Free entrance for Kids age 5 and below
- Special Dancing Area for Kids for Extra Safety
Other SEF Events at Sept 24, Oct 1 and 4 in Santa Clara.
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OTHER BAY AREA DANDIYA EVENTS:
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Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring Dr. Sharvari Dixit
Saturday, Sep 24 7:30p to 11:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
Induz Dandiya 2011 featuring bay area’s most popular Garba/Dandiya DJ Dr. Sharvari Dixit and troupe. Make it an extra special Navratri celebrations for you and your family at the spacious and convenient venue in East Bay.
Tickets www.sulekha.com/induz
Child care facility, ample parking, food, dandiya sticks etc will be available.
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lap once, clap twice, clap three times…and you’re almost there!
Garba is THAT easy! This TWO HOUR workshop will teach you the basic hand and feet coordination to get YOU on the dance floor this Navratri season!
Get a head start and join us in the Garba & Raas workshop on:
– Sunday, September 18th from 1PM to 3PM in San Jose, OR
– Sunday, September 25th from 1PM to 3PM in Milpitas
Register: [email protected]
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Gujarati Cultural Association Upcoming Events – Navratri Garba/Dandia
Date: September 25 & 30
October 1,7 & 8th
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Small Steps Foundation Diwali Dandia Nite 2011 – Oct 8th
Saturday, Oct 8 7:30p
at Centerville Junior High School Fremont, Fremont, CA
SSF Dandia Nite 2011 in Fremont!
Most kids friendly dandia – Local Center will manage the kids corner with beautiful, craft, fun and brain bending activities, when they are tired from dancing. Biggest in Fremont with electrifying Bollywood music by Dimple Patel.Buy your tickets at sulekha.com or from the other store ticket outlets.
Windemere Friends – Dandiya for Education 2011
After last year’s overwhelming success, once again“Windemere Friends”- a neighborhood group of Indo American families is organizing “Dandiya for Education 2011″. 100% profits go to neighborhood schools!
- When: Oct 1, 2011 – 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Where: Windemere Ranch Middle School (Gym)
- 11611 East Branch Pkwy, San Ramon, CA
Tickets: $12 each, $15 at the door (if there’s any left)(Kids 5 yrs & under free)
Contact: [email protected]
The Band: “Aseem and Madhvi”. The Bay Area’s most famous group for singing Dandiya. They have been performing in the Bay Area for more than 15 years!
- Free dandiya training 7 – 7:30 PM
- Popular Indian food served by Indian Restaurant
- Dandiya will be available for purchase
So get your Indian outfits ready for the fun filled evening with family, friends and neighbors!
Come and relish a variety of Indian- food and the bay-area’s best live Dandiya-music to go with it !!
Dandia or Raas and Garba, is a traditional dance popular in Western India. In India, this celebration occurs during the fall festival of Navratri (Nav-raa-tree). Dandiya is a dance with short sticks that promotes slow calorie burning. Many folks have tried Dandiya and enjoyed it. We will have a special training session from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM for all newcomers.
Windemere Friends – We are a group of concerned citizens that want to make a difference in our community. We have started this in August 2010 with the aim of organizing activities that we like right here in San Ramon while raising funds for the schools.
The group is 100% volunteer based with no administrative costs.
Today’s deal: $10.00 For Facial Threading in San Ramon/Dublin
Hi Everyone – Come To Sasta Desi to check out today’s amazing deal: Today’s deal: $10.00 For Facial Threading! Includes Eyebrows, Upper Lip and Full Chin. Just Click on the link above to purchase the deal and to save a lot of money on your favorite local desi restaurants, grocery stores, boutiques and more!
Appointment Must Be Made
In Home Service For Groups Of 3 Or More.
Buyer can buy up to 4 Coupons
Coupons Will Be Valid For One Year From Purchase Date.