The cultural event "Raíces V - India: Unity and Diversity", presented India’s art & culture through music and dance on Saturday May 3, 2014. The event was held at South Lawrence East Middle School, Lawrence, MA and was a sold out show.

The show included traditional Indian classical dances, folk dances and contemporary Bollywood and fusion performances by dance schools from the Greater Boston area. Performers from Anngikam Dance Academy, Chandam Institute of Kathak Dance, Bollywood Dancing Stars, Devika’s Bollywood Fusion Dance School, Dancing Daivas of Boston, Fauj Bhangra and Ranjani Saigal’s Eastern Rhythms Dance School dazzled the audience by their performances. Local well known musicians, Mali, Gaurishankar and Ravi introduced the audience to melody and percussion instruments from South India, and Swaranjali Music group offered their melodious voices to showcase glimpses of Indian music. The performances was beautifully introduced and explained in English and in Spanish tying in the theme of Unity in Diversity of India.

"Raíces" is a series of artistic and cultural presentations that have been carried out by the Movimiento Pro Cultura Inc. (MPC) for four consecutive years for the Latino community, through which it seeks to exhibit positive aspects of various cultures that meet in our region, as a way to build bridges of friendship and brotherhood throughout the community. In addition, "Raíces" has served as a means of gathering economic resources in support of the “Student Scholarships” program the MPC runs every year with the support of several people, institutions and businesses in the City of Lawrence.

This Indian dance and music event was planned and coordinated by Shilpi
Ranjan of Ezcompliments.com. She is a teacher and event planner. She teaches Indian cooking classes and and strives to spread Indian Culture. Special thanks to José Figuereo, Treasurer and María Figuereo, President for inviting the Indian community to be part of this special event.

The specific items performed were:

1. National Anthem...Swaranjali
2. Rangmanch...Chandika
3. Dheemahi...Angikam
4. Kalbelia..Shikha
5. Garbo...Aangikam
6. Bharatanatyam...Ranjani Saigal group
7. Dhol...Dholi entertainment
8. Vaishnav Jan to...Swaranjali
9. Beats of India...Malli and group
10. Nachle Senorita...bollywood stars
11. Nathaniwali...Aangikam
12. Bollywood medley....Devika
13. Shiv Stuti...Dancing Divas
14. Bhangra....Fauj Bhangra
15. Jai Ho....Swaranjali and everyone there

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