From the bustling streets of Chennai to the quiet corners of Northwest Arkansas, music has always been a constant companion in Vidya Ramachandhiramani’s life. Vidya has carried Carnatic music with her across continents, not just as a performer but as a teacher determined to pass on the tradition to the next generation.
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Her journey in Carnatic vocals began at a very young age under the guidance of Smt. Sankari (B.A., Carnatic Music), who introduced her to the foundations of South Indian classical music. As Vidya’s passion deepened, she sought advanced training with Acharya Choodamani Sri A. Sundaresan, a revered Kanchi Kamakoti Asthana Vidwan, professor, and A-grade artist with All India Radio. Later, she had the privilege of learning from Shri Paramakudi S. Ravindran, a disciple of stalwarts Madurai Somu, Shri T.N. Seshagopalan, and A. Sundaresan. These masters influenced her profoundly, shaping both her music and her outlook on life, instilling the virtues of patience and perseverance.

Complementing her training in vocals, she also had the honor of learning the Veena (widely regarded as the national instrument of India) from the late Mrs. Kamala Sankaran, who had devoted her life to teaching. Belonging to a musical family of AIR-graded artists, Mrs. Sankaran was a disciple of Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan, the renowned singer and musicologist of an earlier era. 

When Vidya founded Sadhana Fine Arts in Northwest Arkansas,  it was with the dream of recreating the same reverence for the art that she had experienced from her gurus. She wants her students to inherit not just the techniques of Carnatic music but also the discipline, devotion, and quiet beauty that lie at its core. “Music is my meditation,” she says, and her vision is to kindle that same flame in the hearts of her students.  Vidya recalls that her thoughts and emotions found their truest expression in melodies, and that, over the years, music has remained her source of joy, clarity, and strength.

Her path, however, has not always been linear. Vidya has worked as a software engineer for more than a decade. Even during her most demanding professional years, she remained immersed in music—listening to rare recordings, attending workshops, and learning from teachers and gurus that she was fortunate to meet. Technology, she reflects, became a surprising ally. Platforms like YouTube opened a window to the past, allowing her to absorb the voices of great masters. Today, she dedicates herself entirely to music, diving deeper into the vast ocean of Manodharma Sangeetham (Improvisational Music) alongside performing and teaching. Teaching, she says, is what keeps her sadhana (practice) alive.

But Vidya’s creativity is not confined to music alone. Visual art has long intrigued her, and she recently completed a diploma in fine arts. The process, she shares, was transformative, helping her see the world differently and enriching her music in unexpected ways. Her curiosity also extends to sound engineering, which she sees as another way to explore the depths of music. Both art and music, she believes, are pathways to self-discovery and self-expression.​

Chai Time in Bentonville: A Monthly Moment to Share Culture, Stories, and Chai

Every 3rd Sunday in Bentonville, a small but meaningful gathering takes place that brings people together through conversation, curiosity, and of course, chai. It’s called Chai Time, and it’s one of the most quietly impactful things that Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation offers to the Northwest Arkansas community.

With free Indian chai and snacks, informal guest speakers, and a welcoming atmosphere, Chai Time has become a space where new connections are made, familiar faces catch up, and a sense of belonging grows stronger with each cup.

Why Did Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation Creat Chai Time?
Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation is best known for its high-quality performances and educational programs centered on traditional Indian arts. But behind all of that is a belief that culture isn’t just something you sit and watch—it’s something you live and share. That belief sparked the idea for Chai Time.
This monthly gathering was created to offer a casual, low-key space where Indian culture could be explored in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance to learn something new, enjoy authentic food and drink, and hear from members of our community who bring their own lived experience to the table.

What to Expect Each Month
Chai Time is held every 3rd Sunday at the Kalaloka Institute of Fine Arts in Bentonville. It is open to all and completely free to attend. No RSVP, no dress code—just bring your curiosity and come as you are.
Every month features:

• Homemade Indian chai and snacks prepared by volunteers and friends of Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation
• Informal talks or demos from guest speakers on a wide range of topics like travel, music, memoir writing, gardening, or storytelling
• A space that’s family-friendly and designed for connection and shared discovery

It’s simple by design, but there’s depth in the conversations and joy in the small details. For many attendees, Chai Time has become a highlight of their month.
Some of Our Favorite ThemesSince launching in 2022, Chai Time has explored many topics, each one shaped by the interests and stories of the local community. Here are a few standout gatherings:

Game Night brought people together with classic Indian games and a spirit of lighthearted fun. Spring Gardening Exchange created an opportunity to swap seeds and growing tips with fellow plant lovers. Travel Talks offered personal travel stories and practical advice for exploring India and beyond. Deepavali Art Studio welcomed families to celebrate Diwali through art-making, traditional music, and collective joy.
Each session reflects the values Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation holds dear: openness, cultural pride, and the idea that meaningful connection begins in shared, everyday moments.

What’s Next for Chai Time
Looking ahead, Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation is planning more themed sessions that bring in new perspectives and local voices. From cross-cultural collaborations to skill-sharing and storytelling, the goal is to keep Chai Time fresh while staying rooted in the values that make it special.

Chai Time continues to grow not because it is big or flashy, but because it offers something rare—a space that feels both open and intentional, where community members can connect through curiosity and culture.

Join The Conversation!
Chai Time is one of the simplest ways to connect with Indian culture in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you’re new to town, reconnecting with your heritage, or just curious to learn something different, we've saved you a seat!

📍 Kalaloka Institute of Fine Arts (KIFA), Bentonville
🗓️ Every 3rd Sunday
🎟️ Free and open to all

Brought to you by Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation Your bridge to Traditional Indian Arts & culture.

In the life of every artist, there is a turning point, a moment where years of disciplined training, personal sacrifice, and quiet love for the craft begin to bloom into something more. It’s no longer just about learning; it’s about a real embodiment and dedication to a passion in their journey!

Yuva Utsav, which translates to “Youth Celebration,” is more than a showcase. It’s a rite of passage. A recognition that a young artist has reached a level where they are no longer simply a student, but someone stepping into their own voice, their own style, and their own place in the artistic tradition. It is a bridge between practice and performance, between structure and self-expression, between being guided and now inspiring others.

For those of us at Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, Yuva Utsav is one of the most meaningful programs we offer for our young up and coming professionals!

In this blog, we sat down with four artists—two dancers and two singers—who have experienced this in their own lives. They shared their reflections on Yuva Utsav 2025.

Their stories are as moving as the performances. Let’s begin.
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Dance as Devotion: The Bharatanatyam Experience

When we asked about a moment that moved Bharatanatyam teacher and performer Megha P. Rao recalled a performance that left a lasting impression.

“The Navarasa was so rare that it surprised me,” she said, referring to the nine emotional states explored in classical Indian dance. “And the way Akshath Piram carried his performance through each piece to the end—without showing the exhaustion one would be feeling after a 30+ minute performance—connected me to his hard work and dedication.”

Vinitha, a fellow dancer and parent, watched the same performance and wholeheartedly agreed. It wasn’t just the endurance that stood out—it was the emotional clarity, the depth of expression, and the commitment to honoring the tradition. That moment captured the essence of Yuva Utsav: it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

But Yuva Utsav isn’t just for dancers.

“It is the place where up-and-coming artists—dancers, singers, and musicians—can get inspired by seeing their peers being recognized,” Vinitha explained. “It’s a chance to take their art more seriously and, in turn, to be taken more seriously.”

From a parent’s perspective, she added,
“It’s wonderful to see my child feel encouraged to take on the challenge of performing one day. It keeps them engaged and plugs them into a community of like-minded, dedicated peers.”

For Megha, the role of Bharatanatyam in storytelling goes far beyond the surface.
“It has played a significant role for ages because it expresses countless stories and topics through a complex system of rhythmic movement and gesture—often even without music,” she said. “From footwork and hand gestures to eye movements and facial expressions, every element paints a picture and transmits a message.”

And for the young dancers dreaming of stepping onto the Yuva Utsav stage, Megha offers this advice:
“Make use of your teacher. They hold an abundance of knowledge and experience. But it’s also the student’s responsibility to ask questions—again and again. That’s how you uncover the full depth of what your teacher has to offer.”

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Voices in Harmony: The Carnatic Vocal Journey

Tanvi and Tanya Kartik a dynamic duo in the Carnatic tradition offered a performance that highlighted the good work and knowledge they've developed over these years and when Carnatic vocalists Kiran and Nivi, known as the Sai Sisters, took the stage at Yuva Utsav, they brought more than just their voices. They brought a level of discipline, imagination, and connection that captivated both audiences and fellow musicians.

Priya P. Ram, a Carnatic music teacher in the community, expressed her appreciation not only as a listener but as an educator:
“First of all, to have such talented and well-known young artists come and perform on our stage is a blessing to our up-and-coming artists. Huge thanks to Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for giving us the opportunity to share in this experience!”

“From the perspective of a teacher, listening to their style of swara phrases—so fast-paced and precise—kept me on the edge of my seat!”

Vidya Ramachandhiramani, another local vocalist and teacher, was especially impressed by the complexity and precision of the sisters’ performance.
“There was a particular point in the katcheri where they seamlessly integrated two ragas—the base note of one raga became the launching point for the next, picked up by the other singer. It showed just how much time and effort these girls have spent on their harmonies and craft.”

​For aspiring Carnatic vocalists, platforms like Yuva Utsav offer more than an opportunity to perform—they provide a space to be seen and celebrated at a pivotal moment in an artist’s journey.

“It is so important,” said Priya. “I think the Sai Sisters did a beautiful job starting their performance with the basic varṇam—a form that both beginning and advanced musicians can relate to. It inspires young singers to find their own voice within the tradition.”

When asked what advice they would give to younger students aspiring to sing at Yuva Utsav, Vidya shared this encouragement:
“My advice is to realize that there are no limits to music.”
“This mindset will take you far into your own style and open doors you didn’t even know were there.”
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​Key TermsBharatanatyam:
This ancient Indian classical dance form is defined by a distinctive technique rooted in tradition (bani), shaped by the dancer’s lineage and training. Its signature includes a fixed upper body, bent knees, expressive gestures, and complex rhythms—all brought together to create a living story on stage.
Carnatic Music:
Rooted in South Indian classical tradition, Carnatic music is structured yet deeply expressive. Central to its form are ragas—melodic frameworks designed to evoke emotion—and compositions like varṇams, which help musicians master the foundation of a raga. A katcheri is a formal concert where musicians perform for a live audience, drawing on both composition and improvisation to carry the art forward.
Katcheri:
A katcheri is an assembly of musicians and audience in the context of Carnatic music, presented in the concert format. The music fraternity—including both connoisseurs and everyday listeners—gathers at these venues to enjoy classical music concerts by vidwans (accomplished performers). Interestingly, the word katcheri is derived from the Urdu and Hindi term for a court of law—underscoring the formality and reverence of the event.
Raga:
A raga (also spelled raag, raaga, or ragam) is a melodic framework used for improvisation and composition in Indian classical music. The word itself translates to "coloring" or "tingeing," signifying its ability to evoke mood and emotion. Each raga consists of a specific set of notes and motifs, and its purpose is to "color the mind" of the listener, drawing them into a particular emotional and aesthetic experience.

​The Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation (Ra-Ve) is well-known across Northwest Arkansas for providing classes, training, and musical events for all who are interested in the music and dance tradition of classical India. Since our founding in 2018, we have brought hundreds of students and audience members to a greater appreciation of these ancient and beautiful traditions.
The Master Concert Series is the ultimate expression of that vision, bringing the finest practitioners of Indian music and dance to NWA in live performance. Scheduled twice per year and featuring music, dance, and folk traditions, the performances celebrate the skills and achievements of India’s most accomplished professionals. These concerts have proven to be highly popular for Indian and non-Indian audiences alike; as well, they serve double-duty as our major annual Fund-Raising event. It is only through your continuing support that we can showcase these outstanding artists for you—not in India, not on TV, not in the movies, but right here, on stage, to you, here in Northwest Arkansas.

​Offering an unmatched opportunity to connect with Indian culture and heritage, the Ra-Ve Master Concerts feature top-tier Indian artists, promising to give you unmatched musical experiences. These masters create and present a 90-minute thematic presentation of their art form, which includes expert music and dance accompanists to express the fullest embodiment of the work.
And to make it even better, delicious Indian food is provided to all who attend! Come and enjoy the music, savor the food, and connect with the delights of Indian music, dance, and food.

Unusually among arts organizations, Ra-Ve provides competitive artist fees and underwrites all the costs of travel, meals, and lodging. We are proud of our commitment to the arts and the artists, and from the first we have ensured that the dancers and musicians are fairly compensated for the many years of skill they bring to the Master Concerts.
Equally important is our continuing collaboration with other prominent arts organizations in NWA. These partnerships benefit all concerned, and include the Walton Arts Center, Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance, Trike Theater, the University of Arkansas, Downtown Bentonville Incorporated, Crystal Bridges Museum of Contemporary Art, and many others.
Over the past five years, the Master Concerts have presented a highly diverse schedule of
performances and workshops:

• 2018 – Violin Viola duet by Vittal Ramamoorthy (violin) and VVS Murari (viola)accompanied by Srimushnam Raja Rao (mridangam) and KV Gopalakrishnan (kanjira).
• 2019 – Rukmini Vijaykumar presented a Bharatanatyam solo “Thalattu”; Nirmala Rajasekhar (veena) and Tarun Bhattacharya (santoor) presented a Carnatic and Hindustani jugalbandi accompanied by Thanjavur Murugabhoopathi (mridangam) and Hindole Majumdar (tabla) which we named “Prayag”.
• 2020 – (ONLINE) Black & White was a unique Carnatic cutcheri created and presented by Vijayashri Vittal (vocals) accompanied by Sumesh Narayanan (rhythm), Ravi Shankar (keys), and Sayee Rakshith (violin); A Dancing Love Story: The Kathak Edition brought the very dynamic Kumar Sharma and his team The Kathak Rockers to our screen in Bentonville.
• 2021 – (ONLINE) Samay was a timeless classic of Hindustani flute presented by The Flute Sisters (Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee) accompanied by Satyajeet Talwalkar (tabla) and Mrinal Upadhyay (pakhawaj); Narakasura was an exciting, rare opportunity to film and present the grand tradition of Yakshagana from the heartland of Karnataka in India.
• 2022 – Roopa Mahadevan brought her unique show Roopa in Flux to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art accompanied by Shruthi Sarathy, Rohan Krishnamurthy and Chris McCarthy; Himachal – A song from the Himalayas showcased traditional folk dances and music from the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh in India. This was recorded as a video and screened in person at KIFA.
• 2023 – Divine Trio featuring Mita Nag (sitar), Hassan Haider (shehnai) and Shubhen Chatterjee (tabla). This is the very first time that a sitar concert is being performed here in Bentonville.

Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation and the Master Concert Series bring to you the very finest examples of some of the most beautiful music and dance traditions in the world. Join us as we celebrate these ancient, lustrous—and highly entertaining—arts!

January, February, and especially March were busy, busy, busy for RVCF and its artistic partners across the NWA region.

The biggest, the most ambitious, and the most popular event in the history of RVCF was in March: The Jungle Book, a tri-partite partnership between RVCF, Trike Theater, and Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance. The three organizations joined together to produce and perform an updated version of the classic novel, in a multi-media extravaganza of Indian and western dance, music, and theater.

Performed before a sold-out audience of 1200, the event proved to be a great crowd crowd-pleaser and an artistically successful cooperative effort between the three organizations.
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Downtown Bentonville Inc. sponsored Market at the Record on March 4th, and RVCF staffed an informational table at this popular and well-attended event. On March 14th, Mary Mae Jones Elementary School hosted Multicultural Night, where our own Vijayashri Vittal, Music and Dance Coordinator, performed for an enthusiastic audience of over 200.
 
Since its inception in 2018, RVCF has enjoyed a mutually beneficial artistic partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In this quarter, we have performed or exhibited before audiences at CBMAA several times, totaling more than 250 individuals.
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​The University of Arkansas and the Fayetteville Public library have also hosted events for us, including Master Classes and music performances.
 
The goal of RVCF has always been to spread our mission through cooperation, collaboration, and co-sponsorship with arts organizations across NWA, and the first quarter of 2023 proved to be our best ever!

From Srividya Venkatasubramanya, Executive Director, Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation
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Working with Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance and Trike Theatre to produce The Jungle Book was an honor for Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, a privilege, a creative and commercial triumph—and a lot of hard work!
Megha Rao at Dhirana and Kassie Misiewicz at Trike provided the essential artistic vision that made The Jungle Book so successful. But a work of this magnitude also requires significant administrative and logistical support, and this was the role of RVCF. We worked alongside Trike and Dhirana to take care of all the details such as the marketing, coordinated the space requirements for classes and rehearsals, recruited and scheduled the many volunteers, and in general furnished the critical behind- the-scenes support structure that is so important to an epic-scale event such as The Jungle Book.
The success of this unique and unprecedented collaboration can be measured by the sold-out crowd of over 1200 enthusiastic audience members, tidy profits for all three organizations, and the commitment from all of us to do it again next year––in fact, we’ve already started!

From Megha P. Rao, Artistic Director, Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance

The collaboration between Dhirana, Trike Theatre and Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation brought together artists from diverse backgrounds and art forms, resulting in the successful production of The Jungle Book. This collaboration provided a valuable learning experience for all involved, with individuals from different communities and cultural backgrounds working together in unison. As a Bharatnatyam artist, it was particularly enlightening to work with a theater artist like Kassie Mickiewicz and gain insight into the workings of theater production. The perseverance of Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation made this collaboration possible, highlighting the importance of working together to create something new and exciting. This collaboration is a testament to the growth and learning that can come from artists coming together to create something truly unique.

 From Kassie Misiewicz, Artistic Director, Trike Theater

The strength of the jungle is us, and the strength of us is the jungle. Ra-Ve, Trike Theatre and Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance came together to create something new, something that neither of us had ever done before. Megha and I brought our unique strengths, along with the strengths of our production team, and co-created, learned from each other and grew as artists. I hope that this production (and future collaborations) inspires our community to create more opportunities for cultural exchange and creative partnerships.

 Since its inception in January of 2022, Chai Time has proven to be one of the most popular events at RVCF. Informative, fun, and full of insights and laughter, Chai Time is now a must-do on social calendars throughout NWA, and the first quarter of 2023 was our best yet!
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January’s theme was Game Night, with participants enjoying board games, table games, party games, team games—whatever the gaming style, we had it all! A bonus in January was that Sthri Couture generously donated a $100 gift card. The winner, Payal Shah, was randomly picked from all registrants present at the event at the time of drawing.
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February was Travel and Destinations Day, when a certified travel agent from Destinations AR discussed cruise vacations and traveling by air to European destinations. Tracee Williams, Luxury Vacation Designer at Destinations AR, answered question such as:

 How to plan for a cruise.
 The best cruise line for kids.
 Traveling by air to favorite places in Europe.
 Costs of air travel versus cruising.
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Tracee also sponsored a $100 gift card which was won by Jaishali Thakore. We are curious where Jaishali will go this year!

Finally, March Chai time was all about Spring Gardening. Local master gardeners explained how to plan, prepare, and plant a beautiful outdoor oasis. Horticulturist Laura Brewer, Site Manager for the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden, and Indian Community Gardening enthusiast, Lali Neha Dahal joined us to discuss plant care and answer questions. We also had a seed and plant exchange, where attendees could trade anything garden related with each other.

And don't  forget the Maya Bazaar—great shopping and bargains galore! Purchases of our beautiful, gently-used Indian clothing and RVCF-branded items help raise awareness about our Indian music and dance programs at KIFA. 

The details:
 Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation Chai Time
 Third Sunday of each month
 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
 Kalaloka Institute of Fine Arts
1380 SW Westpark Drive, Ste #2
Bentonville, AR 72712

This House Concert delved a little more deeply into some of the musical pieces presented in the Professional Series Concert earlier in January of 2023. The three singers of the original  concert, Vijayashri Vittal, Priya P. Ram, and Vidhya Ramachandramani came together again to discuss more deeply some of the historical origins of Indian music, its themes, its variety, its composers and its technical details. They each presented information and performed specific pieces to elaborate further on each topic.

Vijayashri introduced the audience to the basic technical concepts of Indian music and how it is put together. She compared it with the western music system to draw on similarities and differences. She introduced the basic terms of swara, raga, tala, and shruthi in Indian music. She spoke about the differences of the hindustani and carantic styles.

Priya presented information about the history of carnatic music - starting from the vedas to  current day composers and artists. Tracing her way through millenia, she brought out different aspects of music through history. 

Vidya showed, in a very interactive way, how ragas affect our moods. For every emotion that we feel from joy to misery, she performed a raga that expressed it fully.

The audience was a good mix of age groups and cultures. Everyone enjoyed the different aspects of Indian music, especially the chai and snacks at the end. Join us at our next event!