Events
Good Trouble - A Collaboration with Chicago Children's Choir | In-person performances @ Kehrein Center for the public
Good Trouble tells the story of John Lewis, the celebrated Civil Rights Movement organizer and spiritual leader, and how he fought to make a beloved community where everyone is unconditionally loved and accepted. Diving into the activists who influenced Lewis on his journey (Mahatma Gandhi, James Lawson, Martin Luther King), as well as activists who built on the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement to advocate for other marginalized groups (Cesar Chavez, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera) Good Trouble will teach a history that is seldom celebrated to inspire folks to get into good trouble—and change the world.
We are striving to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please be aware that our efforts are ongoing. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact mordion@kalapriya.org or call 312-436-2789. Requests should be made at as early as possible.
Past Events
Breath Workshop with Trained Opera Singer, Pavitra Ramachandran
A 45 minute experiential workshop that teaches participants how to understand and use their breath more effectively — for singing, speaking, stress reduction, and overall well‑being. The session includes an accessible overview of how the diaphragm works, simple breath exercises to build awareness and control, and ends with a 10‑minute guided meditation to integrate everything learned.
Participants leave feeling grounded, energized, and equipped with practical tools they can use every day.
On Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 am young readers will cozy up for a joyful read-aloud featuring a selection of beautiful stories, including Avani’s own debut picture book, Lakshmi at the Lake.
Join us for a fantastic day of music, dance, food, crafts, and fun, at Kalapriya’s 4th Annual Mela!
Experience incredible local, national, and international artists, taste some South Asian food, enjoy arts and craft activities with the young ones, shop at local retail vendors and wear some art from local henna artists!
Unwind after a long week, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and get your creative juices flowing at Kalapriya! Workshop fee includes art supplies, snacks, & non-alcoholic refreshments. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or spirit to share!
An extraordinary theatrical production about the life and music of India’s most famous musician, Ravi Shankar. The iconic sitar maestro who brought India’s music to the world stage!
An extraordinary theatrical production about the life and music of India’s most famous musician, Ravi Shankar. The iconic sitar maestro who brought India’s music to the world stage!
Unwind after a long week, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and get your creative juices flowing at Kalapriya! Workshop fee includes art supplies, snacks, & non-alcoholic refreshments. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or spirit to share!
Come and find out what all the hype is about!
In this 3 hour introductory session, you will learn all the basics of American Mahjong to get you playing with friends.
A one‑hour immersive sound healing experience designed to calm the nervous system, release tension, and guide participants into a deeply restorative state. Using a blend of gong, steel tongue drum, rainstick, and Tibetan singing bowls, this session layers soothing frequencies and rhythmic vibrations to help the mind settle and the body unwind.
Participants simply lie down or sit comfortably while the sound waves wash over them.
Unwind after a long week, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and get your creative juices flowing at Kalapriya! Workshop fee includes art supplies, snacks, & non-alcoholic refreshments. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or spirit to share!
An evening celebrating leading women in dance.
March 07, 2026
6:30 - 8:30PM
Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble
Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is an annual celebration of spring, love, and new life throughout North India. This exciting celebration is filled with dancing, singing, and - most famously - throwing of colored powder and water. Come celebrate Holi with Kalapriya! We’ll have dancing, music, food, arts & crafts, and more - lots of fun for children and adults!
This inaugural supper club explores how Mughal invasions and Persian trade reshaped North India’s culinary landscape.
More than a meal, this evening is a conversation about empire, exchange, and how food carries memory across generations.
Unwind after a long week, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and get your creative juices flowing at Kalapriya! Workshop fee includes art supplies, snacks, & non-alcoholic refreshments. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or spirit to share!
Harvest Festivals across India in mid-January celebrate the end of the Winter Solstice and the arrival of Spring. Come celebrate with us!
Unwind after a long week, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, and get your creative juices flowing at Kalapriya! Workshop fee includes art supplies, snacks, & non-alcoholic refreshments. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine or spirit to share!
The Kalapriya Dancers are excited to be presenting as a part of the Niles-Maine District Library’s “Global Neighbors” series. Come and join us for this free family event!
Sip some wine, relish some Indian cuisine, and enjoy holiday music and dance in celebration of Christmas!
Dot Mandala Paint & Sip Evening
Unwind, sip, and get creative at our relaxing Dot Mandala Paint & Sip event – no experience needed! Whether you're a total beginner or just looking for a new way to de-stress, this fun and beginner-friendly session is the perfect escape.
Explore the calming art of dot mandala painting, known for its meditative patterns and soothing effects. As you paint, you'll enjoy:
Stress relief & relaxation
A boost in focus and mindfulness
A creative outlet for self-expression
Beautiful, symmetrical designs you’ll be proud of
A mindful, social experience with zero pressure!
Bring your friends, enjoy a glass of wine, and leave with your own handmade mandala masterpiece. All materials provided – just show up and enjoy!
Diwali, or Deepavali is the festival of lights celebrated in all parts of the Indian subcontinent, and around the world. In Hindu mythology, Deepavali commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after his 14 year exile in the Ramayana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
This festival is not exclusive to Hinduism, as facets of Jainism and Sikhism also acknowledge Deepavali. The people of the Indian subcontinent usually celebrate by lighting a line of diyas or clay lamps - a symbol of enlightenment and prosperity - in their homes, alongside going to feasts and community dance parties.
Kalapriya's Deepavali celebration will include light appetizers and beverages from Siri on Taylor, arts and crafts for kids, an interactive dance presentation from the Kalapriya Dancers, and the lighting of diyas and sparklers outside in the courtyard (weather permitting). The rest of the program will take place inside the Women’s Park and Gardens building at the corner of 18th and Indiana.
Join us for an evening of Carnatic Music featuring Aishwarya Shankar (Vocal), R.K. Shriramkumar (Violin) and K. Arun Prakash (Mridangam).
Come join us for our annual Navaratri Festival!
Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere. Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navratri. The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle between the powerful demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. … Each year, on each day of Navratri, an incarnation of “Goddess Durga” is worshipped to celebrate the day of her victory over Mahishasura, and the ultimate victory of ‘Good over Evil.”
Experience over 100 artists, companies and local organizations performing nonstop across 5 stages + making waves by boat, during a free 2-day celebration that transforms Navy Pier into a vibrant showcase of the arts. Marking its 5th anniversary, the festival features star-studded performances and 5 world premieres, offering an unforgettable weekend of music, dance, theater, and more.
Join us for Kalapriya's Annual Dance Academy Showcase to celebrate our Bharatanatyam students’ hard work, discipline, and dedication! Curated by lead dance teacher Harini Nilakantan, the showcase features dance pieces that reflect our students’ unique artistic journeys and highlights their incredible growth nurtured throughout the year.