MooreUnity is partnering with Moorestown’s Indian community to host a free Diwali celebration – Diyas and Delights – at the Perkins Center for the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 5 p.m.
“Perkins Center for the Arts is deeply honored to partner with members of Moorestown’s Indian community and MooreUnity in celebration of Diwali on Oct. 4,” said Kahra Buss, the center’s executive director. “We are excited to support Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a cherished tradition that embodies themes of hope, unity and renewal – values that resonate with our mission to foster connection and understanding through the arts.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside our neighbors in honoring the richness of South Asian culture and in celebrating community connection and collaboration.”
Diyas and Delights will feature a talent and fashion show, food, music and kids activities, and guests will light and decorate diyas, the small clay or metal oil lamps with cotton wicks used for festivals like Diwali. The lighting can be a powerful gesture of optimism and faith that represents the belief that light will always prevail over darkness and goodness will triumph over evil.
“We want the community to come together, and we want to create a better bond with everyone,” explained township resident Rhea Arora, who helped plan the event with sisters Vari and Reet. “We really want to promote inclusivity and diversity within our community, and we think it’ll also be an educational opportunity, because we want to teach the history and the culture because it’s so rich.”
Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and around the world. The rituals and customs associated with it vary, based on the regional traditions of the country and the cultural customs that are popular in those areas. Most families light diyas or candles in their homes and celebrate the holiday by enjoying sweets and food.
Diwali is generally celebrated over five days, with each day holding a special significance, according to the Hindu American Foundation. Festivities include the illumination of lights, candles, firecrackers and diyas to symbolize the victory of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
“Indian immigrants have been living in this country for decades, and we’ve been part of Moorestown for a really long time, and I think having this on a public avenue in a public space really helps our neighbors to get to know who we are as a people and celebrate with us,” said Munira Wells, a MooreUnity board member.
“This is such a pivotal festival for Indians that it is very joyful for us to be able to bring this festival to raise awareness of those things that are important to our community, and to share our culture with our friends and neighbors and families.”
The event’s rain date is Oct. 5.
