Our oldest daughter Jennifer, now an ASU cultural anthropology student, developed an early interest in all things India — enjoying India festivals in downtown Phoenix, taking Hindu classes at a Unitarian Universalist congregation, exploring the Hindu Temple in Scottsdale and more.

Folks eager to learn more about the arts and culture of India have a wealth of opportunities this week as Valley venues welcome India music, dance and more…Jennifer several years ago at a Diwali Festival held at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents Chitresh Das Dance Company performing “India Jazz Suites” Friday, April 5 (there’s a special 11am student performance) and “Sita Haran” on Saturday, April 6 — plus a pair of panel discussions (today on what it means to be a guru, and tomorrow on theater/Indian classical dance) as part of its Arts Connect program.

All are part of the 2012–13 Discovery Series exploring the arts of India, made possible in part by a grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Sunday, April 7 from noon-4pm Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents “OrigiNation: A Festival of Native Cultures” celebrating Native cultures in India and Arizona. Think song, dance, storytelling, videos, arts & crafts, cuisine and more.

Militza Loving shares reflections on her six-month quest through India in a presentation about its people, landscapes and sacred arts taking place at noon on Friday, April 5 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Later this month the center presents several screenings of “Abu Son of Adam” with the Scottsdale International Film Festival, and you can enjoy an exhibit of mandala art (“Beauty of Balance“) created by Paradise Valley High School students through Sunday, April 7.

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix presents “Museum Encounter: Kathak Dance of India” today, April 3, at 3pm — which is free with museum admission. Chitresh Das Dance Company will be demonstrating kathak dance movements, which include truly spectacular footwork. While there, make time to explore the museum’s exhibit of musical instruments from India and other parts of the globe.

Kriti Dance, which specializes in contemporary Bollywood-style dance for children and adults, begins a new class session Sunday, April 7 — so those of you who feel inspired by all these India arts experiences can give India dance a try.