Folk Art: Diwali Celebration

Diwali unites family and community with its promise of hope and joy. It is a major festival for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, who believe that light is a metaphor for knowledge and signifies health, wealth and peace. Diwali is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights,” in which participants light diyas—small oil lamps made from clay with a cotton wick dipped in oil—to signify the victory of good over evil within an individual, and uplifting of spiritual darkness. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every region of India celebrates it in its own unique way.

This rich cultural celebration, which also signifies light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance for all is a long-standing tradition at Pelham Art Center, where it has been celebrated for the last 15+ years. Pelham Art Center’s Diwali lineup of performances and activities is as follows:

1:15-1:45: Bharata Natyam, Indian classical dance form including storytelling performed by Nalini Rau, Director of Natya Anubhava Academy of Dance
1:50-2:10: Bollywood Performance by Pelham resident Heena Jain and her students
2:15-2:30: Vocal Performance, Nostalgic Indian melodies by Bhavna Goyal
2:30-3:00 Bandhanwar Art Workshop, Participants will create a traditional Indian bunting for a doorway with artist Priya Nag