Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. This year’s festival begins on October 18, usually lasting five days, with the main day celebrated on October 20. Families who celebrate come together to decorate their homes, exchange sweets, light diyas (lamps), and dance. Across New Jersey, communities are marking the occasion with colorful festivals, performances, and authentic food. Here’s where you can celebrate Diwali this year:
October 11
Diwali Celebration
MarketFair, Princeton
The Festival of Lights will include cultural music, dance performances, photo moments, crafts, snacks and vendor shopping.
October 12
Diwali Gala
North Brunswick Veterans Park, North Brunswick
There will be food, entertainment, music by the North Brunswick Twp. High School marching band and orchestra, and lots of Indian-themed décor.
October 16
Diwali
Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System, Lawrenceville
Guru “Kalashree” Sukanya Mahadevan and her Shishya School dancers will present a dance based on the holiday.
Cultural Storytime Event
Newport Centre Mall, Jersey City
Storytime and related activities will teach your kids the culture behind Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for Mexican culture, Filipino American Month, and Diwali for Indian culture.
October 18-19
Diwali @ The Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
The two-day celebration will include a devotional dance, instrumental and dance performances, a sari walk, a Bollywood flash mob, a cancer awareness walk, mehndi stations and vendor shopping.
October 18 to October 26
Celebrating Diwali
BAPS Swaminaryan Akshardham North America, Robbinsville
There will be all-day festivities, including Shayona Café, special mahaprasad and a family unity abishek ceremony. Nighttime festivities include Diwali Diya experience, live traditional Indian music and Diwali Maha Arti in Nikanth Plaza. October 20 will include a fireworks display.
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