Indian American community gives tribute to moms
Mother's Day
by Heidi M. Pascual
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Mother's Day has become a regular special day of the year; thus, it has
become sort of natural for moms to hear "Happy Mother's Day!" from family
members. The Association of Indians in America-Madison-area Chapter,
however, has been making it extra special for all mothers in the Indian
community. Annually, the members of the association and their families
gather at the Badger Middle School in Verona on a Saturday in May to honor
all mothers with a day full of love and pampering. Husbands and sons
prepare and cook all the food, while the women take their "day off."
This year's Mother's Day had two sets of entertainment programs that
lasted more than a regular concert. Many children and youth participated as
dancers, and each performance clearly showed many hours of rehearsals.
One memorable part of the program was when each mother was called on
stage with her child/children, given a rose, and a sentence or two from her
child/children to describe her. It was truly touching.
A new performance rarely seen locally was Yakshagana (below left) -- a
traditional theater form combined with dance -- and the performer who was
heavily made up, donned a resplendent costume and wore heavy makeup.
The dance depicted a tale from a Hindu epic.
Children and adults alike had tables of arts and crafts where potatoes
were carved and decorated them with glitters that said, "I love you, Mom!"
It was truly a great day for all. And the women enjoyed it most.
Mothers had a field day May 5 when the
Association of Indians in
America-Madison-area Chapter paid a
tribute to them at the Badger Middle
School in Verona. The men -- spouses
and sons -- cooked the food and prepared
the venue, while daughters and other
sons performed traditional and modern
dances and songs.