News Brief: Diwali in Pelham
The Diwali festival of lights is a national holiday in India; an illustrious Hindu festival celebrated around the world. The five-day autumn festival represents good over evil and lightness over dark. In fact, the word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, which means “row of lights.” The peak of the festival takes place on the third day, which coincides with the darkest day of the month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
On November 19, Pelham Art Center will celebrate the holiday with a two-hour afternoon of cultural Diwali traditions for all ages. The center has hosted Diwali celebrations for more than 15 years.
The program includes a classical Kathak dance performance by students of Anindita Ganguly’s Swapna Dance Academy, an interactive Bollywood/fusion dance performance by students of Heena Jain and an Indian cultural magic show by Shreeyash Palshikar, PhD.
Guests can also participate in a hands-on art project in which they craft their own bejeweled paper diya, typically a small oil lamp representing the divine inner light.
Upon arriving at the center, visitors will be greeted by three colorful four-by-eight-foot outdoor panels, each created by one of three local artists: Pablo Power, Misha Tyutyunik and Savior Elmundo. The public art exhibition is on view August 18, 2024.
In addition, visitors can begin their holiday shopping early at the center’s 2023 Art Boutique at which local art and handmade gifts allow visitors to shop local through December 22.
