Maharaja Family Fun Day
Sunday, October 23
10:30 am–4:30 pm
FREE (entry to Maharaja is also free!)
Become a king or queen (maharaja or maharani) at this fun-filled family event that has activities the whole family will enjoy. Pick up an Eye Spy and search the galleries for symbols from India's royal courts; dress like a king or queen and have your picture taken by a professional photographer; listen to sitar maestro Ashwin Batish and his children play music from rock to raga, and learn to sing some riffs yourself; join a docent storytelling tour; sample ice cream flavored with cardamom and mango—two of the region's tastiest flavors; and make art projects inspired by elephants and Indian royalty!
| North Court 11:00 am–4:00 pm |
The India Community Center of Milpitas helps with the 16 Elements of Adornment—a tradition among Hindu brides who dress themselves with sixteen different elements prior to her wedding, each symbolizing something different. Make jewelry fit for a king or queen and add your flair to a mural of an elephant procession. |
12:00 pm–3:00 pm |
Royal Photo Op—dress up like Indian royalty and have your picture taken by professional photographer, Enzo Njoo. |
| 1:00 pm–3:00 pm | Henna Art—get the world's most beautiful temporary tattoo! |
| 1:00 pm–4:00 pm | Eye Scream Stand—sample yummy ice cream flavors of India and look for a tasty surprise made by artist Sita Bhaumik in your cup. |
| Family (Resource) Room 10:00 am–5:00 pm |
Hang out in this cool space designed especially for families. |
| Samsung Hall 11:30 am and 2:30 pm |
From Rock to Raga with Ashwin Batish and Family. Ashwin initially made a name for himself with the world beat trend of the 1980s with his trademark "sitar power." Son of the late Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish, a prominent playback singer and film music director from India, Ashwin Batish carries on his father's musical legacy with his 13 year-old son Keshav, a budding multi-instrumentalist. Listen to and learn simple Indian beats and nursery rhymes at the 11:30 performance, which is great for families with young children; at 2:30, treat yourself to a full musical performance of Ashwin's trademark "sitar power" and be prepared to rock out! |
| Galleries 10:00 am–5:00 pm |
Eye Spy with a Maharaja's eye! Look for symbols of power in the special exhibition galleries with this fun treasure hunt created by artist Sita Bhaumik. |
11:00 am |
Pre-K Storytelling—families with children ages 3-6 settle into the galleries to listen to a story about a lion king and his animal kingdom. Meet at Info Desk |
| 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm | Maharaja Family Tours—look for symbols of kingship and hear stories about India's greatest rulers on this tour for kids ages 7-11. Meet at Info Desk |
