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  TAMPA HINDU TEMPLE MAHAKUMBHABHISHEKAM: Mar. 29-April 2


By INDIRA SASTRY, Chairperson, Religious Affairs, Hindu Temple of Florida

The Hindu Temple of Florida in Tampa is holding Mahaumbhabhishekam ceremonies March 29 through April 2. We are indebted to Indira Sastry to providing us with this informative article on the significance of kumbhabhisheka.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Mar 29-April 2: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Homas, Pooja and Alankaras;
Friday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. – Grand South-North Percussion Ensemble ( Jugalbandi);
Saturday, April 1, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – Discourse by Swami Dayanand Saraswati of Rishikesh;
Sunday, April 2, 10:30 a.m.-noon – Maha kumbabhishekam.


Read full story | Temple Idea Began in 1980





SARI EXHIBIT BEGINS MARCH 10 IN ORLANDO AREA
By NITISH S. RELE - editor@khaasbaat.com

A unique showcase of six yards will begin weaving magic March 10 at the Maitland Art Center in the Orlando area. Thanks to the Asian Cultural Association, the “Sari: Six Yards of Magic” exhibit has been organized through April 30 at the center, 321 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland.
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Renu Khator, provost and vice president of USF.
GUEST COLUMN
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: USF BUILDS A BRIDGE TO INDIA
By RENU KHATOR

Imagine University of South Florida (USF) President Judy Genshaft and Medical School Dean Steve Klasko clutching the bar of an auto-rickshaw, as the driver swings and swirls on the crowded roads of New Delhi! Now, picture their foreheads colored deep red from multiple tilaks and their necks lowered with the weight of fresh flower garlands. These images are two of many from the memory book of the USF delegation that spent 12 days in India exploring educational opportunities between USF and India. This also was the latest brick to be added to the bridge to India that USF has been building for many years.
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ORLANDO TEMPLE INDIA FEST ON MAR. 18
Story provided by Hindu Society of Central Florida

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the annual India Fest on Saturday, March 18 at the Hindu Society of Central Florida (HSCF) in Casselberry (Orlando area). The event, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. will take you to India amid a crowd of colorfully dressed people – women in bright silks, young girls in gaghra cholis, boys and men in sparkling kurtas, an entrance lined with stalls selling all sorts of wares, delicious aromas wafting from the food stands, palm readers, etc.
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THE FESTIVAL OF HOLI AND DHULETI (PHAGVAH)
By PANDIT VISHNU SHARMA

Essentially a spring festival, there are several accounts of how Holi came to be celebrated (on March 14). According to the stories in the Puranas and various local legends, this day is important for three reasons.
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INDIA TO BE REPRESENTED IN ST. PETE FOLK FAIR
By NITISH S. RELE - editor@khaasbaat.com

India will be one of 31 countries represented in the 31st annual St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society Inc. (SPIFFS) from March 24-26 at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg.
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Bollywood Buzz


Jyothi Venkatesh
Bollywood Buzz
By JYOTHI VENKATESH

Khaas Baat is kicking off a new entertainment column by Jyothi Venkatesh, a veteran film journalist, friend and former colleague based in Mumbai. We have known this seasoned journalist for more than two decades. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kajol, Aamir Khan. You name the film star. Venkatesh is on first-name basis with each one of them and innumerable others. We are excited to have Venkatesh as part of the Khaas Baat team.
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TAMPA VISA CAMP SET MARCH 19
By NITISH S. RELE - editor@khaasbaat.com

Planning on a visit to India and need a visa quickly? Well, you don’t have to mail your U.S. passport to the Indian Consul General’s office in Houston. Instead, the Houston consular officials are coming to you.
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Inside
Get more in the upcoming events sections, youth highlights, health updates and read book reviews in this edition of Khaasbaat.
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  ADVERTISMENT




JEWELRY EXHIBITION
Personal invitation to you for our jewelry show as we unveil our Spring 2006 collection.
DATE: SATURDAY APRIL 1st 2006
PLACE: INDIA BAZAAR
NORTHWEST PLAZA
4023 W. WATERS AVE.
TAMPA, FLORIDA
TIME: 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
We look forward to seeing you.
For special requests, please call Jay Bhindi at (404) 325-8755.


WANTED
PART-TIME ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE IN MAJOR FLORIDA CITIES. GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND COMPUTER ACCESS A MUST. COMMISSION ONLY. CALL 813-758-0518.


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