Diwali Story Series: A Celebration of Rhythm, Culture, and Tradition
The Diwali Story series in partnership with the Calgary Public Library promised a unique evening, and it delivered. As the audience settled into the new, intimate, circular seating surrounding a carpet in the middle of the room, a palpable anticipation filled the air. Sujeev Chohan, a master of the Tabla, was about to take center stage.
The Tabla, a pair of hand drums resting on the carpet, came to life under Sujeev's fingers, weaving intricate rhythms and melodies. The audience, mesmerized by the Tabla's delicate musical beauty, watched closely as Sujeev demonstrated the various finger techniques and resonant sounds unique to the instrument.
Sujeev shared his journey from Edmonton to Calgary in 2010, where he seized the opportunity to learn the Tabla at Khalsa School Calgary. Through this journey, he connected more deeply with his faith, community, and his Indo-Canadian heritage. Sujeev explained that learning the Tabla had allowed him to participate at the Gurdwara, deepening his connections within the Punjabi and Sikh communities and strengthening his sense of seva, or selfless service.
The evening reached an unforgettable moment when a quiet request for a hymn came from the audience. Acknowledging his own limits as a singer, Sujeev invited his sister, Kuljeet Kaur Chohan, to join him. With a graceful reverence, she stepped forward, covered her head, and began to sing a Shabad—a sacred hymn that filled the space with soulful resonance. The powerful contrast between the rhythmic Tabla and the serene hymn moved the audience profoundly, creating a moment of pure harmony and unity.
In the same spirit of cultural celebrations, Stories in Motion continued the Diwali Story series on October 27 with a Garba workshop led by Kajal Dattani at the Calgary Central Library.
Garba, a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, brought participants of all experience levels together in a shared space of vibrant energy. Under Kajal's guidance, they clapped, twirled, and moved rhythmically — a nod to the goddess Durga and the light of Diwali. Kajal, an instructor at Kala Bhavan of Calgary, guided attendees through the steps and hand claps, emphasizing how the dance symbolizes life's endless cycle. Participants felt a deep connection to the joyous tradition of Garba, immersing themselves fully in this cultural experience.
Kajal shared the deeper symbolism of Garba, explaining that "Garba" means "womb," and dancing in a circle represents the cycle of life. As she encouraged the group to increase the tempo, she revealed that the heightened rhythm is meant to awaken the spirit of the goddess, inviting her presence onto the dance floor. Participants were moved by this insight, feeling a newfound connection to the dance and its traditions.
The session ended with everyone trying the movements together in a circular formation, closely mimicking a traditional Garba dance. One male participant remarked, "I'm Gujarati, but I learned new things today about the meaning behind Garba and why we dance in a circle."
The Diwali Story series at the Calgary Public Library—through both Instrumental Stories and Stories in Motion—allowed attendees to connect deeply with Indian heritage. As they left, participants expressed joy and gratitude for the experience, carrying with them the light, rhythm, and unity of Diwali.
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