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Passage to India, minus the passport

August 4, 2014 at 3:43AM

Sriya Yemireddy, 11, left, and sister Samni Penmatsa, 11, enjoyed a moment watching other dancers before their own dance performance. Sunday was "Cultural Heritage Day" at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove. Activities included dance and musical performances, henna decorations, Rongoli (sacred ancient symbols to welcome Hindu deities), plenty of food and student projects. Folks could also visit the temple. On Oct.18, the Hindu community will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at the Minneapolis convention center. ] David Denney ddenney@startribune.com STAR TRIBUNE 080314 Maple Grove , MN SAXO 127581 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Sriya Yemireddy, 11, and her sister Samni Penmatsa, 11, waited for their turn during dance performances Sunday during Cultural Heritage Day at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove. At right, Srishti, 3½, did Rangoli, a folk art creating sacred symbols to welcome Hindu deities.

The day's activities also included musical performances, henna decorations, plenty of food and student projects. Sushumna Aggarwal, president of the Hindu Society of Minnesota, said the event came about after members of the local community expressed interest in India's culture. For more photos, go to startribune.com/galleries.

Srishti, 3 1/2, does Rangoli Sunday afternoon. Sunday was “Cultural Heritage Day” at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove. Activities included dance and musical performances, henna decorations, Rangoli (sacred ancient symbols to welcome Hindu deities), plenty of food and student projects. Folks could also visit the temple. ] David Denney ddenney@startribune.com STAR TRIBUNE 080314 Maple Grove, MN SAXO 127581 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)