There will be classical Indian dancing throughout West Windsor and Plainsboro in the next few weeks. All events are in conjunction with the Hindu holiday of Diwali, a five-day long holiday marked with lights, colors, dance, music, food, and gifts.
Rangeela 2010, a benefit for March of Dimes, will be presented by the Mercer County Chain Reaction Youth Council on Saturday, October 23, at High School North, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.
The ninth annual cultural program will be a raas gaarba night featuring a form of Indian dancing that originated in the Gujarat region. It is traditionally performed during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navaratri. People wear bright, colorful Indian clothing and dance to the lively, upbeat music. Food will be served.
“Our goal for this year is to raise around $30,000,” says Percis Bansal, adult mentor to the youth for the past nine years. Her son, Rahul, founded the event when he was still a student at North. It is one of the biggest fundraisers for the council, and has helped the chapter become one of the most successful in the country. Contact Bansal at 609-448-7620 or E-mail percisbansal@gmail.com for ticket information.
West Windsor Arts Center kicks off its “Season of the Arts” program on Saturday, October 23, with Temple Dance of India: Bharatnatyam. Students from West Windsor and Plainsboro study Indian classical dance with Ramya Ranbaratab, a principal dancer, artist, and choreographer.
West Windsor Library is celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of Lights, on Sunday October 24, at 6 p.m. More than 500 artists will present a colorful cultural program showcasing the diverse dance forms and music traditions of India. Other highlights of the program include traditional Diwali craft workshops where children can paint and decorate Diyas (small clay tea lights), Diwali Torans (door decoration), and Rangolis (geometric artwork made using finely ground rice powder and colors) to take back home. Indian desserts and food will also be available for sampling.
— Lynn Miller
Rangeela 2010, March of Dimes, High School North, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, 609-448-7620. Saturday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.
Temple Dance of India: Bharatnatyam, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, 609-716-1931. Saturday, October 23, 8 p.m.
Diwali Festival, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road, 609-799-0462. Sunday, October 24, 6 p.m.
