NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
ATLANTA, GA, October 1, 2026: From Kathak and Bhangra to Palestinian Dabke and a traditional lion dance, Kaleidoscope of Culture brought several cultural traditions to one stage at Studio House Atlanta on Sept. 19.
Organized by artist, designer and community leader Afreen Khundmiri in partnership with Fulton County Arts & Culture and FACE, the gathering combined a visual art exhibition with live performances and a preview of her fashion collection.
For Khundmiri, who is also the founder and executive director of Lillah Services, the event was an opportunity to give artists a platform while bringing Atlanta’s communities together. Guests at the downtown venue on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue viewed the exhibition and met participating artists before the evening reception.
Sixteen-year-old Turkish American pianist Şule performed during the afternoon. The Chien Hong Lion Dance Troupe opened the reception, followed by a program led by emcees Ria Mushfiq and Patrick Rucker.
South Asian traditions featured prominently in the evening’s performances. Art of Kathak presented Kathak and Bhangra, while Noorulain Khan performed “I Have Arrived,” a monologue set in Karachi, accompanied by Assad Hasanain on guitar and vocals. Live music by Rastafunk and Palestinian folk dance by Al Karamah Dabke added to the program’s cultural range.
The gathering also recognized the work of participating visual artists. Attorney Ibrahim J. Awad, founder and managing partner of The Awad Law Firm, served as the lead artist award sponsor. David Manuel, director of Fulton County Arts & Culture and founder of FACE, presented cash awards and certificates to the artists.
Guests included Georgia state Reps. Akbar Ali and Ruwa Romman, former Georgia state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes, and Rahim Asani, the Democratic nominee for Georgia House District 108. They joined community members for the exhibition and evening performances.
Fashion was another part of the celebration, with Khundmiri presenting a preview of designs that will be available at BBjoon, her boutique scheduled to open in Alpharetta at the end of October. Namkeen, the exclusive food sponsor, served Nashville burgers.
Support for the event came from The Awad Law Firm, Fulton County Arts & Culture, FACE, the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta, Dr. Shahid and Mrs. Saba Rafique, IAMC, Avaas Spa & Tan, PAFA, HTC, and Mrs. Noorulain Khan and Mr. Rehan Saeed, along with individual contributors.
Following the celebration, the exhibition remained open for public viewing, allowing more visitors to explore the participating artists’ work.
