Let's Talk About Spice
TAGMO and The Culture Tree present an interactive spice workshop led by Kanchan Koya aka Chief Spice Mama followed by a 3-course dinner with cocktails prepared by award-winning chef Surbhi Sahni.
You’ll learn about the biological functions & healing properties of common spices, and their important culinary roles throughout South Asia, while savoring their complex flavors with every sip and bite.
SPICE WORKSHOP
We’re kicking off the night with a workshop led by Kanchan Koya, a Harvard trained molecular biologist, integrative nutrition coach, and author whose work brings healing spices and their health benefits to individuals and families everywhere.
3-COURSE DINNER WITH COCKTAILS
After the workshop, we’ll dig into a 3-course regional Indian meal showcasing the exquisite beauty of spices, prepared by award-winning chef Surbhi Sahni, founder of TAGMO. Dinner includes two signature cocktails inspired by South Asian flavors. Non-alcoholic options will be available.
SPICE GAME + Q&A
During the meal, we’ll play a “Name the Spice” game, and you’ll be able to ask Kanchan and Surbhi all of your pressing spice or culinary questions. Moderated by Anu Sehgal, founder of The Culture Tree.
Event will be held at TAGMO Indian Kitchen and Treats
226 Front Street NY, NY
The Climate Warriors
Inspirational stories from around the world about how little kids have tried to make the earth more beautiful, safe and sustainable
Goal: Celebrate Earth Day and Instill Conversation about the Environment and Climate Change Through Puppetry
Given the importance of youngsters to be part of the discussion on climate change, we have developed a puppet show for children to learn how they can take action to help save Planet Earth. The story captures the journey of three inspirational children located different parts of the world, who join forces to take action and make a change so as to inspire their parents, friends and everyone around them to save Planet Earth. These youngsters are brave, knowledgeable and environmentally responsible. This show will empower your children to understand the importance of climate change and what they can do to help reverse the climate crisis.
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Time Frame: April (Earth Day), June (World Environment Day) or Year Round
Age: 3 – 16 years (Children and parents)
Colors of Krishna's Love
Celebrate Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors
Through our puppet show Colors of Krishna’s Love, we bring to life Krisha and a popular story of Holi, while also addressing the colorism that existed during Krishna’s time and during our current time. We address this topic head-on, while also providing a strong message that love and friendship prevail and skin color doesn’t matter.
Holi has its roots in ancient Indian mythology. Lord Krishna loves to have fun with his friends and family. He plays Holi, throwing colored powder, and sharing love and laughter. The Culture Tree has created a puppet show that showcases Krishna playing Holi with his friends Radha and Sudama. Here children will learn the story of Holi and also learn how it is celebrated.
Duration: 45 minutes
Timing: March/April
Age: 3 – 12 years (Children and parents)
Ramleela
Story of Diwali, The Indian Festival of Lights
Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. It is also marks the start of New Year in Hindu calendar.
The festival of Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayan. Through Ramleela our Puppet Storytime, see Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana come to life. It is a famous story, a little mysterious, a little sad, but with a happy ending. The show will teach the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and valor; all while learning why we celebrate Diwali. We will end in a surprise celebration!
Duration: 45 mins
Time Frame: October/November
Age: 3 – 12 years
Mindful Eating
Mindfulness, is noticing thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and your immediate environment without judgment. Through Mindfulness you are able to be present in the moment and direct your own attention to where you want it to be at any given moment and keep it there. In this session we will talk about how one can develop a Mindful relationship with food and eating. This is an experiential workshop, where you will learn about mindful eating, Indian spices, their health benefits and their origins – the session is centered around making healthy vegetarian Indian food and then eating it mindfully.
To schedule a session please connect with us.
Events
We provide multi-sensorial programming for any key South Asian celebration. This can include: storytime, craft, dance, music, puppetry, yoga, mindfulness, cooking, calligraphy and decoration.
We can customize the programming based on your goal, budget and audience.
Dabba Dialogue
Dabba Dialogue is a series in which we will have conversations about our “story”, revolving around identity, diversity, heritage and culture.
Episode 1:
Our first segment will feature Chief Spice Mama Dr Kanchan Koya and singer Falu. In our first session, we will invite 6 Indian – American kids to describe and talk about their Dabbas and share their story.
Asia Society hosts our next event where we will have conversation with Teens about identity
Past Events
Cultural Event Series
Cultural Event Series
Cultural Event Series
We host several cultural events and book readings at NYPL
Fauja Singh Keeps Going
https://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2020/12/09/kidslive-author-program-simran-jeet-singh?nref=91110
Cultural Event Series
A Private Tour of Henri Cartier-Bresson's: India in Full Frame
Eid Around the World
Holi: Festival of Colors
Eid Around the World
We hosted an Eid celebration at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. June 2017
https://www.facebook.com/pg/cmom.nyc/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155521291461941
India @ 70
Holi: Festival of Colors
Eid Around the World
The Culture Tree was honored to be a part of the Independence Day celebration at the Indian Consulate, where the new Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty read the President's address with a vision of "New India", where we have a "compassionate society that adds to our country's pride."
Holi: Festival of Colors
Holi: Festival of Colors
Holi: Festival of Colors
We hosted a big Holi celebration at the Children's Museum of Manhattan in March 2017 and at the New York Public Library in March 2016
Wonderland Lit Festival
Wonderland Lit Festival
Wonderland Lit Festival
First Ever Literary Festival for Indian-American Children.
Mindful Eating
Wonderland Lit Festival
Wonderland Lit Festival
We have taught a slew of Mindful Eating classes at NYPL, CMOM and Whole Foods