Lokvani wishes all its readers a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi !

The U.S. population is projected to increase by 28 million people, or 8.2%, between 2025 and 2050. Texas and Florida are expected to add 17.4 millions residents while California and New York are projected to loose more than 1.7 million residents.

by Pandit Bharani
As the sacred month of Bhadrapada unfolds, the fragrance of devotion once again fills our homes and temples. The joyous chants of "Ganapati Bappa Morya!" echo through every street, reminding us that Lord Ganesha, the compassionate remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom, is arriving to bless His devotees. Ganesh Chaturthi is not merely a festival of celebration; it is a sacred opportunity to renew our faith, purify our thoughts, and begin life's journey afresh under the benevolent grace of Sri Vighneshwara.

From a handful of seniors sharing a meal in 2010 to five centers and a growing membership from every corner of the South Asian community, FISCO's purpose hasn't changed: to care for South Asian elders.

The sacred festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with deep devotion, spiritual enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community at ISKCON Boston, bringing devotees and families together to commemorate the divine appearance of Lord Krishna. [more]

The Great Elephant Migration, is an outdoor public art exhibition featuring 100 life-sized elephant sculptures, handcrafted by Indigenous artisans from India's Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The installation has transformed one of Boston's most iconic avenues, the tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue Mall,  into a place of reflection, wonder, and conversation.

On a bright and beautiful Sunday, August 16, 2026, Hastings Park came alive with vibrant hues of saffron, white, and green as more than 400 residents gathered for a landmark celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day. [more]

This weekend will feature Vijay Koparkar (Vocal), Trichur Brothers, Mandolin Trio, IITAGNE Picnic, IAGB GBM, Sewa Walk, Kabir Festival and Assi Nabbe Poore Sau.

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA – New Hampshire Chapter warmly invites you to Assi Nabbe Pure Sau—an afternoon of music, community, and purpose on September 13th in Nashua, NH. [more]

The Boston Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya 2026, organized by the Pashupatinath Buddha Temple and Nepali Community Center, concluded successfully after eight days of devotion, spiritual learning, cultural celebration, and community unity.

by Dr. Anjana Bose
The Fourth Regional New England Folk Literature and Oral Poetry Festival hosted by India Discovery Center was celebrated with an international storytelling program on June 13, 2026, held at Bennis Hall in Lincoln, MA. It brought together presenters from multiple cultural traditions, a community-based cultural exchange sharing folktales, songs, poems, and reflective commentary from multiple traditions, including Persian, Chinese, Indian, Norwegian, and American sources.

The Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston was immersed in an atmosphere of devotion, spirituality, and community spirit as hundreds of devotees gathered from August 14 to August 20 to attend the Shri Shiv Mahapuran Katha delivered by Param Pujya Shri Swami Nalinanand Giri Ji Maharaj. Organized during the sacred month of Shraavana Maas, the seven-day spiritual discourse became a memorable celebration of Lord Shiva's divine glory and teachings.

Shishu Bharati is please to announce that the registration for 2026-2027 is now open!

Chinmaya Mission Boston invites families to register for the 2026–27 Bala Vihar program, a nurturing and engaging program rooted in Sanathana Dharma for infants through Grade 12. Classes begin September 13 at Chinmaya Maruti. [more]

Off- Kendrik is honored to host the 5th SAATh festival September 18-20 th at the Mosesian Center for Arts, Watertown. SAATh is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of languages and expressions in our community through theater. [more]

MITHAS presents Kaushiki Chakraborty with Ojas Ashiya (Tabla), Kedar Naphade (Harmonium) and Sohail Yusuf (Sarangi) on September 13th at MIT.

TiE Boston today announced the main program tracks and discussion themes for TiECON East 2026, its flagship entrepreneurial conference, co-hosted by TiE New York, and taking place on October 2, 2026, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts. [more]

Nritya-Anjali School Of Dance presents Madurai R. Muralidaran's A Garland Of Devotion (Story of Aandaal) on October 3rd in Littleton, MA.

Bhūmikā Arts is proud to present The Draupadi Phenomenon, a powerful multimedia dance-theatre production conceived and choreographed by internationally acclaimed Odissi exponent Guru Sanchita Bhattacharya, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the LCA Performing Arts Center in Lexington, Massachusetts.

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

Boston Bhangra, North America’s largest independent Indian dance competition, is coming back to Boston for the biggest dance battle yet. For the first time in its 23-year history, the celebration of northern Indian dance and culture will also feature live bands from across the US and Canada performing at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester on November 14, 2026. The teams will be announced at a later date. Tickets are on sale now at BostonBhangra.com/BBC.

by Shilpa Narayanan
Aishwarya Ananthakrishnan, student of Guru Smt. Deepa Srinath Bungale at Vaibhava Dance School, gave her Bharathanatyam arangetram on June 28, 2026 in Littleton High School. A rising junior at Phillips Academy Andover and  dance student who has been learning for well over a decade, Aishwarya displayed her knowledge in a beautiful margam, curated and choreographed with such fine detail by her Guru. The performance was filled with a range of emotions, particularly shades of bhakti and love carried out by Aishwarya through her execution of expression and stage presence.

by Shyla Ganesan
Amrita Harish’s Bharatanatyam Arangetram in Boston was a deeply moving experience—a beautiful journey of artistic excellence, spiritual devotion, and personal connection

Marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks, reminds us how fragile peace and democracy are and need to be preserved each and every day.

by Madhumati Tyagi
Ayurveda does not usually recommend foods in isolation—it emphasizes food combinations (Ahara Samyoga) based on how foods affect digestion (Agni), body tissues (Dhatus), and vitality (Ojas. Soaked raisins are a popular traditional remedy in many cultures. Raisins themselves are nutritious whether soaked or dry but soaking mainly makes them softer and easier to digest. Raisins are naturally rich in, Dietary fiber, Potassium, Iron (moderate amounts), Antioxidants (polyphenols), Natural sugars for quick energy.

As families prepare to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and temples, one of the most cherished traditions is creating a beautiful Rangoli at the entrance and around the altar. A Ganesh Chaturthi Rangoli is much more than a decorative artwork. It is a sacred expression of devotion, creativity, and cultural heritage. Designed with vibrant colors, flowers, rice flour, or natural powders, Rangoli symbolizes an invitation to divine energies, positive vibrations, and auspiciousness.

Before the dawn adorns the sky Before the birds begin to fly We bow to You with hearts so free O Lord of boundless harmony ... [more]

May truth and courage light our way
In every thought, in every day
Teach us to serve with selfless heart
For love of God is life's true art ...

May truth and courage light our way In every thought, in every day Teach us to serve with selfless heart For love of God is life's true art ... [more]

Ukadiche Modak is the most sacred offering (Naivedyam) made during Ganesh Chaturthi. According to tradition, Lord Ganesha is especially pleased by Modaks, which symbolize the sweetness of spiritual wisdom hidden within a pure heart. [more]

Among the many offerings made to Lord Ganesha, Panchakhadya (also known as Panchakajjaya in Karnataka) is one of the most ancient and auspicious. The name means "a sacred mixture of five nourishing ingredients." It is simple to prepare, requires no cooking, and symbolizes the offering of the five elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) and the five senses to the Lord. [more]

It is seasonal laughter!

Layered hues of nature.

"The wicked use knowledge for arguments, wealth for arrogance, and power to oppress others. The noble, however, use knowledge to enlighten, wealth to help others, and strength to protect the weak." [more]