Eakins Oval (in front of Art Museum), Philadelphia

Indian culture comes alive as flower-bedecked, ornately carved chariots are pulled along Benjamin Franklin Parkway by devotees of ancient Indian deities, marking the beginning of the Ratha Yatra Festival of India. Costumed dance ensembles, mounted horsemen, kirtan chanters, worshippers, and spectators will proceed to the Art Museum area where the celebration continues with a free vegetarian feast, musical performances, dance, booths, food, and hand-made crafts. Don't miss this annual spiritual and cultural extravaganza!

Eakins Oval (in front of the Art Museum), Philadelphia

Pump up your tires for the Commerce Bank Bike Philly through historic neighborhoods in Center City and hidden corners of Fairmount Park along 20 miles of car-free streets. All skill levels are welcome on routes that include 10, 20, 35, and 50 mile trips. Proceeds benefit the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit that works to make biking safer through advocacy and a new bicycle education partnership between the Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Bicycle Coalition. Go to ridebikephilly.com to register.

Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, 200 W. Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia

Creating crazy quilts was a popular pastime during the Victorian Era. Step back in time and join this needlework group at the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, the only authentically restored Victorian house museum and garden in Philadelphia, to learn embroidery and beading techniques -- hallmarks of crazy quilting. This class is for newcomers as well as seasoned quilters. Tea and cookies will be served. $30 for the class, $7 for materials. Call (215) 438-1861 to register.

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia

Senator Arlen Specter will explain the Food and Drug Administration’s role in evaluating and regulating America's medical products, specifically in the area of cancer research. The discussion, entitled, “Funding and Monitoring America’s Health,” will include Dr. Frank Torti, Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA and John Timpane, a reporter and editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer, as moderator. Reservations required, call (215) 409-6700. $15 for non-members.

Kimmel Cancer Center-Bodine, 111 S. 11th Street, Philadelphia

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center is offering free prostate screening as part of a research program. Screening is important because this form of cancer shows no symptoms in its earliest stages. A blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, and cholesterol, and a digital rectal exam are offered. To register, call 1-800-JEFF-NOW.

The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia

As part of its "Out of Africa" lecture series, The Franklin Institute will present a panel discussion on the politics of slavery and race in America. The distinguished panel includes Dr. Cornel West (photo on right) of Princeton University; Dr. Tukufu Zuberi, University of Pennsylvania; and moderator Dr. Molefi Kete Asante,Temple University. $10 for non-members, $5 for members. To register, call (215) 448-1254.

Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Here's a chance to learn how to use a mouse, keyboard basics, and the Vista operating system by working on Microsoft Word, the library’s catalog, and the Internet. Free instruction. All you need is a library card. Tickets are available 30 minutes before class begins at the Information Desk and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, call: (215) 686-5322.