IARI (Indian Association of Rhode Island) celebrated Diwali at the Bishop McQuiny Auditorium, RI recently. A scintillating fifteen minute dance ballet titled Shivatandavam choreographed by area's well known Kuchipudi dancer and teacher Prafulla Srinivas Velury was the highlight of the evening. The item started with Vinaya Stuti - an invocation to Lord Vinayaka. This was followed by Shivatandavam which comprised of prayers to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati by the devotees (pramadaganas) followed by the ananda-tandavam (a dance of ecstacy) by Shiva & Parvati.

The other items presented during the evening were the Indian National Anthem on Piano, Mono-acting of Chanakya, A skit "Puncture Wala", Tabla performance by students of Nikhil Tikekar and a couple of movie dances including one by the students from Bryant College.

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