Holmdel Indian Association To Host Annual Diwali Gala At Bell Works

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Holmdel Indian Association will host its annual Diwali Gala on Saturday in the Bell Works Ballroom.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the festival will celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a social hour, live music, food, dancing, and more at the event.

“Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide,” Holmdel Indian Association President Mittal Shah said. “It typically spans five days and is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. This year it falls on Nov 1st.”

At last year’s Diwali Gala, Shah said the festival had over 400 participants from both Holmdel and neighboring towns.

This year, the association expects a similar turnout and has invited the Holmdel Board of Education, Holmdel Township Committee, Holmdel fire and police chiefs, Holmdel Schools superintendent, State Senator Vin Gopal, and state congressmen to attend.

This will be the association’s third year organizing the gala at Bell Works.

“We will have amazing dance performances, great food with live stations, complimentary henna application, digital and 360 photo booths, a rocking DJ and so much more,” Shah said of festival activities. “All of this is organized with preference to local talent. We will be showcasing local talent of different age groups through musical and dance performances.”

The schedule for the Diwali Gala is as follows:

• Start check-in (6 p.m.)
• Social hour (6-7 p.m.)
• Appetizers (6-8:30 p.m.)
• Photo booth and 360 Spin Booth (6-10:30 p.m.)
• Arts and Crafts Table (6-11 p.m.)
• Cash Bar (6-11 p.m.)
• “Ganesh Vandana” – Kathak Performance by Mahima Singh (7-7:15 p.m.)
• Complimentary Mehndi/Henna (7-9 p.m.)
• Address by the Holmdel Indian Association Board (7:15-7:30 p.m.)
• Arjun Menon (dhun) live music (7:30-8 p.m.)
• Dance performance by kids (8-8:15 p.m.)
• The dance floor is open (8:15 p.m.)
• Dinner and dessert (8:30-10:30 pm.)
• Guided Garba led by Dance Instructor Sneha (9-9:30 p.m.)
• Dance floor (9:30-11 p.m.)

The Holmdel Indian Association is a non-profit organization that aims to bring people with a common Asian Indian heritage together, and create a positive impact in the community.

At this year's gala, the association hopes to celebrate Diwali with community.

To learn more about the Diwali Gala, you can visit the Bell Works website. To register for the gala, you can click here.

Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.