Flushing Town Hall will host its 10th annual Diwali Festival for residents of the world’s borough on Saturday, Nov 2, from noon to 4 p.m. The celebration will include a variety of cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and a live Bhangra dance party led by DJ Rekha. The Guru Krupa Foundation is sponsoring the festival.
Diwali is a five-day festival known as the “Hindu Festival of Lights,” which celebrates the forces of good prevailing over evil.
It is a significant religious holiday in Hinduism and is celebrated in other religions, including Jainism and Sikhism, with some Buddhists also observing the holiday. Diwali is often celebrated by lighting small lamps or candles to be placed around one’s home. For many Hindu practitioners of Diwali, the festival is one of the most significant holidays of the year, signifying the awakening of Atman, “one’s inner light.” Atman is a symbol of peace and joy that overshadows darkness and ignorance. This year is the first time New York City public schools will close on Friday, November 1, in observance of the holiday.
The day-long festival will start at noon with workshops, including block printing with Alka Mukerji, rangoli making with Joshua Roychowdhury, and Indian cooking demonstrations by Chef Nupur Arora of Queens Curry Kitchen. Guests can enjoy henna art by Bella Beauty, Hindi calligraphy and other activities. Also on the docket are performances by Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy, Srijan Dance Company, and guest dance troupe ADDA alongside Dr. Santa R. Nandi.
At 2:30 p.m., attendees can join a dance party led by DJ Rehka, a pioneer in the global fusion of Bhangra with global dance beats. A Flushing resident, DJ Rekha has built a career as a musician, educator, curator, and activist and is best known for her Basement Bhangra dance parties.
A main attraction of the festival is the dance drama “Navadurga,” choreographed and performed by Roy, Srijan Dance Company, and Dr. Nandi. The performance piece explores the different forms of the goddess Durga and portrays many of her traits, including innocence, love, compassion, righteous anger, and spirituality.
Roy, the artistic director of Srijan Dance Center, has been instrumental in leading Flushing Town Hall’s Diwali Festival since its inaugural celebration. She is a Kathak dance master, has represented the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, and has performed worldwide.
Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director of Flushing Town Hall, said the arts institution is thrilled to mark the 10th year of the Diwali Festival.“This festival has become a beloved tradition in Queens, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. We look forward to another unforgettable day of culture, art, and community,” Kodadek said in a statement.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for member adults, and free for all children. Indian food will also be available for purchase throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at (718) 463-7700 extension 222.
