Ananda : Ultimate Bliss

{adaptation + story-telling}

…………

Invited by Professor Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud, Director of Japan House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to present a participatory performance showcasing my Indian cultural heritage and adaptation through cooking and story-telling.

Ananda means “ultimate bliss” in Sanskrit. I would like my guests to experience ananda, or ultimate bliss, when they eat and the smiles on our faces while eating my food would be my ananda. I cooked a six course meal that I regularly prepare for my family to give guests a taste of Indian home cooking. I shared stories from my childhood in India and my development of recipes while living in the United States. There was no silverware on the table, and guests had to eat with their right hand.

Designed the event poster, cover for social media and menu.

Smile Politely, Champaign-Urbana's culture magazine
{Bliss at Japan House: Ananda, Indian home cooking and traditions}