West Windsor Library will be hosting a cultural program to mark Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, on Sunday, October 16, at 6 p.m. A colorful evening of music, dance, children’s crafts, refreshments, and workshops highlights the cultural traditions of India. The program is organized by Nita Mathur, senior reference librarian. To register for children’s crafts call 609-275-8901.
More than 50 performers will be taking part in this musical extravaganza showcasing classical, folk, and Bollywood style dances as well as classical Indian instrumental pieces. Performers include students of all ages from the Kalaalaya Dance Academy, the Nupur School of Dance, and the India Aangan Dance School. A choreographed musical dance piece from Timeless Music will feature brides and music from different parts of India designed to give the audience a glimpse into the world of traditional Indian weddings.
Students of Ustad Hidayat Hussein will present a series of melodies on the sitar, a stringed instrument from India. A performance directed by Pratik Devasthale will demonstrate the sounds of the percussive Indian tabla.
An important element of Diwali is the lighting of homes with small clay tea lights called diyas. As part of the evening festivities, children will be painting and decorating diyas to take home. A workshop in Garba dance, a popular dance style that is performed during the festival, will be offered under the direction of Jharna Rastogi, a dance choreographer from West Windsor. A sampling of desserts and food from India will also be served.
The third annual cultural program on Diwali is sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library. “The program is made possible through the active participation and volunteer efforts of the West Windsor and Plainsboro communities,” says Mathur.
Diwali Festival, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road. Sunday, October 16, 6 p.m. Music, dance, crafts, and workshops to highlight the cultural traditions of India. Craft workshops for children to paint and decorate diyas (small clay tea lights), torans (door decorations), and rangolis (intricate geometric artwork using finely ground rice powder and colors) to take home. Refreshments include Indian desserts. Free. 609-799-0462.
