Balti is a language spoken in the Baltistan region of Pakistan. A Balti proverb about tea reveals a rich tradition. It says, "The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family."

FILE/Staff photo

In many Asian countries, tea ceremonies are steeped in tradition. China has the earliest records of tea drinking, dating back about 5,000 years. As tea's popularity spread, countries created their own traditions.

In many Asian countries, tea ceremonies are steeped in tradition. China has the earliest records of tea drinking, dating back about 5,000 years. Tea was served as a sign of respect to elders, of gratitude, of forgiveness and of acceptance. Every part of the ceremony held meaning, such as folding the napkin to keep away bad Qi energy.

Many countries adapted their own traditions as the drink's popularity spread. Green tea is popular in Japan. Taiwan created bubble tea. In India, the world's largest tea producer, residents often drink tea with milk and sugar, which is the British style.

A "Celebration of Tea" comes to Farmers Branch on Saturday. A breakfast tea and presentation will be at 9 a.m. at the Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane. Lee Q. Garcia, editor of Tea in Texas magazine, will be the speaker. Reservations are required. Call 972-245-1829 or e-mail info@altexasgifts.com.

In 1991, a few people in New Jersey decided to start an organization that would provide a platform for individuals who want to improve the lives of underprivileged children in India.

They called this group Vibha, which means "inner radiance" or "brightness" in Sanskrit. Today, there are 15 Vibha action centers in the United States and six new centers in India.

The Dallas center is holding its Art for Heart 2009 competition for children ages 4 to 17. The competition includes six categories – dancing, singing, painting, drawing, short story writing and kids making a difference for kids.

The dancing competition will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and the singing contest will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14. Both will be at FunAsiA, 1210 E. Belt Line Road in Richardson.

Registration and rules for the other categories are at wiki.vibha.org/ Dallas:AFH2009.

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation is an Indian charitable trust that initiates, supports and runs non-formal one-teacher schools. Founded in 1986, the foundation has a goal of eradicating illiteracy from rural and tribal India by 2011.

To date, the trust has worked with more than 26,700 teachers, 5,000 volunteers, 22 field organizations and eight support agencies.

Chapters are worldwide, with the southwest region led by Kishor Fruitwala.

The Dallas chapter will hold a fundraising event at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Eisemann Center in Richardson.

Those who support a school with a contribution of $365 will receive free tickets to the event, which includes cultural performances with dancing and Bollywood music. Tickets are $20 and $50, with $5 discounts for students. Call 972-744-4650 or visit www.ekaldallas.org.

Howard Cho's company, CVE Technology Group, recently received the Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency. U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Plano, presented Cho with a Congressional Record noting the award. Cho founded the company, which specializes in consumer electronics, in 1986 in New Jersey. He relocated to Plano in 2002. The award recognizes the company's growth and creation of more than 1,000 jobs.Upcoming events

Friday

The Dallas-Plano Korean Language Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Chang Jing Korean Restaurant, 400 N. Greenville Ave. in Richardson. korean.meetup.com/35.

Saturday

The Great Taste of Asia Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Filipino American Alliance Church, 1618 W. Arkansas Lane in Arlington. Free. An evening program featuring a performance by Farle Lutian, dinner and dancing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. $25. 817-320-3344. www.filamchurch.com.

The DFW Hindu Temple at 1605 N. Britain Road will celebrate Oothukaadu Kavi Day from 1:15 to 5:30 p.m. 972-445-3111.

A Carnactic vocal concert by R. Suryaprakash will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Allen Library, 300 N. Allen Drive in Allen. $15 for general admission; $8 for students and seniors. 972-422-0532.

An Andra Pradesh Flood Relief Benefit will be at 6 p.m. at Centennial High School, 6901 Coit Road in Frisco. The event includes dinner and entertainment by popular Tollywood actors. $10-$50. 972-897-5612.

Great Land Choral Society of Chinese musicians will perform a concert at 7 p.m. at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road in Plano. 972-979-6677.

The Network of Indian Professionals will hold The Sultan's Ball at 7:35 p.m. at the Nylo Hotel, 1001 W. Royal Lane in Irving. $65. www.netipdallas.org.

Sunday

The Indonesian Catholic Community will hold a meeting at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria at Holy Family School, 2323 Cheyenne St. in Irving. 972-252-5521.

Tuesday

Texas Christian University School of Music and Department of Asian Studies will present an Indian classical music concert by Parashuram Bhandari on sarangi and Achyut Ram Bhandari on tabla with accompaniment by Babette Ackin on tamboura at 5 p.m. in the PepsiCo Recital Hall, 2800 S. University Drive in Fort Worth. Free. 817-257-6608.

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