"Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation"

From the builders of some of America's earliest railroads and farms to Civil Rights pioneers and digital technology entrepreneurs, Indian Americans have long been an inextricable part of American life. The State Museum's new traveling exhibition, "Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation," details the history of Indian Americans and their contributions to the United States from the 1700s to the present. The first-of-its-kind exhibition from the Smithsonian will be on view at the State Museum from April 29 to July 9. Through a vibrant collection of photographs, artifacts, art and interactive learning stations, guests will experience the Indian American story and explore the many dynamic roles Indian Americans have played in shaping South Carolina and the rest of the United States.

On opening day of the exhibit, April 29, the State Museum will host a number of family friendly activities. Guests will discover and play traditional Indian games from 11 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 2 p.m. City Yoga will lead a special kid-friendly yoga class. Headlining the day at 3 p.m. will be Prakash Nagarkatti, vice president of research at the University of South Carolina. Nagarkatti will present his work on complementary alternative medicine and how his work connects to India scientifically and culturally. The "Beyond Bollywood" exhibit will be accompanied by a series of Tuesday night events from 6 to 8 p.m. including:

• Midlands Gives Bollywood Celebration, May 2 – Apart of the Midlands Gives celebration, this event will include henna tattoos, traditional clothing demonstrations and a number of dance programs.
• Food and Spices of India, May 9 – Explore the foodways traditions of India. Presenters will demonstrate the cultural significance of Indian spices, food and how spices are used in traditional Indian dishes.
• Clothing and Costumes of India, May 16 – Discover the incredible clothing from the diverse cultures and history of India for men and women. Explore the use of different weaves, patterns, textiles, handwork and ways of wearing beautiful fabrics.
• Music and Dance of India, May 23 – Experience the classical music and dance of India.
• Holistic Healing, June 13 – Hima Dalai from Vital Energy will discuss traditional Indian methods of holistic healing. Hima Dalai is a certified, licensed occupational therapist and energy practitioner with over 30 years of experience.
• Vedanta Spiritual Philosophy, June 20 – Explore the endless questions of life and the pursuit of happiness in this special Vedanta spiritual philosophy class from Vedanta World of New York.
• Yoga, June 27 – City Yoga owner and instructor Staci Millner-Collins will lead a yoga class for guests to celebrate the museum's "Beyond Bollywood" exhibition.

All "Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation" events are free with museum general admission.