Pelham Art Center Celebrates Diwali Festival In Authentic Fashion

PELHAM, NY — The Pelham Art Center is offering a unique way to celebrate, experience or just learn about the festival of lights close to home.

Diwali is a major festival for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains celebrating "light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil."

Organizers say all, young and old, experienced and new to the joyful and hopeful celebration, are welcome to take part in the "Diwali: The Festival Of Lights!" folk art festivities at the Pelham Art Center on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The celebrations will start with a traditional Kathak dance performance by students of Anindita Ganguly, PhD (Swapna Dance Academy), and a Bollywood/fusion dance performance with an interactive component by students of Heena Jain.

An Indian cultural magic show by Shreeyash Palshikar, PhD will follow.

A hands-on art project where participants can craft their own bejeweled paper diyas (traditionally mini earthen lamps lit with an oil wick), representing enlightenment, knowledge, prosperity and wisdom will be ongoing throughout the event, and will be first-come, first served.

Organizers say the Pelham Diwali celebration is intended to bring family and the wider community together with a promise of hope and joy. All in all, not a bad way to spend an autumn afternoon.

This event is free to the public. The Pelham Art Center is located at 155 Fifth Ave. Find out more about the Pelham Art Center on their website.