Indian Heritage Day: Palisades Mall Celebrates Diwali, Kerala Piravi

WEST NYACK, NY — A celebration of art, dance and culture will bring a remarkable heritage to life at the Palisades Mall this weekend.

From the Rockland County Legislature.

A popular Indian Heritage Celebration will fill a section of the Palisades Center Sunday, coordinated by Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul in association with the Indian Cultural Heritage and Arts Awareness Club (ICHAA Club).

"It’s been very rewarding to see this event grow in popularity," Legislator Paul said. "It offers an opportunity to experience the real culture and arts of India. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or snack in one of the mall’s eateries or do some shopping and help support our local businesses."

The celebration will feature several local dance schools and participants in different art forms.

The program focuses on dances that are traditional to the Indian state of Kerala and other regions. The program will also celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Members of the NINPAA — the National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America — will also conduct a health fair.

The term Kerala Piravi refers to the birth of Kerala state. Kerala was established on Nov. 1, 1956, well after India became an independent nation in 1947. Kerala is a popular tourist destination and is considered a haven for lovers of dance, drama, music and festivals, and is often referred to as "God’s Own Country," Legislator Paul said.

Participating artists include members of the Mayura School of Arts, under the direction of Bindya Sabarinath; Global Mudra Performing Arts, directed by Indhra Rajasekhar; Sattvika Dance Academy, directed by Devika Nair; the Natyamudra School of Dance, under direction of Liza Joseph; and the Chendamelam (drumming) by Mela Mytri. The MCs will be Liz Poulose and Tina Asish.

The free event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, on the first floor near H&M department store (Macy’s side), at the Palisades Center in West Nyack. For more information, please call (845) 638-5100 or (845) 304-1580 or send an email to this address.

This press release was produced by the Rockland County Legislature. The views expressed here are the author’s own.