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Maplewood-based nonprofit SOMA Cross Cultural Works transformed the township’s nearly 100-year-old Memorial Park for its annual free “Diwali Fest NJ” event on Saturday. Complete with food, live performances and free sparklers, over 1,500 attendees celebrated the Hindu holiday of Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," the biggest holiday of the year for the Indian community. “We’re honored to bring ‘Diwali Fest NJ’ to the community for the eighth time. What began as a small cultural gathering has become one of SOMA’s most cherished annual traditions,” said Deepak Jhalani, one of the festival’s organizers who helped plan the event. The festival kicked off at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park’s amphitheater, at 145 Dunnell Road in Maplewood. Diwali, which runs from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24, is an annual five-day festival that centers on the victory of light over darkness and good triumphing over evil. The festival is also observed differently by the Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. Attendees at SOMA’s festival enjoyed live performances from dance teams and Indian dance schools, including: Kulture Kool, a Rutherford-based arts center that teaches Indian classical and instrumental music and Indian classical, popular, and folk dance. Shutaal, Seton Hall University’s South-Asian classical-fusion dance team. Natya Gurukula, dancers from a school in India. Kalamandir Dance Company, a contemporary Indian dance ensemble based in North Jersey. Rutgers RAAG, Rutgers University’s South Asian fusion a cappella group. Arya Dance Academy, an Indian dance school in Parsippany. Aum Dance Academy, an Indian dance school in Bridgewater. Keshav and Priya, an Indian dance duo. And Raakstar Revolution, a band that blends Indian melodies with rock and pop influences. In addition, attendees could get henna art from local henna artists, face painting for kids, and enjoy free arts and crafts stations. Attendees were also able to purchase a variety of savory and sweet foods from food vendors, including: Unique flavored coffees and baked goods from Sonny’s Indian Kitchen. Savory South Indian dishes and samosas from Rajni Indian Cuisine. Tibetan momos (steamed dumplings) with different sauces, from Fomo Momo, and a variety of Indian fusion donuts from Knead Some Love NY. After the performances, attendees received free sparklers and the festival concluded with a lamp-lighting ceremony. “Each year, we’re inspired by the incredible support from our community, the Township of Maplewood and its Division of Arts & Culture, local artists, sponsors, and volunteers who help us celebrate the spirit of Diwali, the triumph of light, hope, and togetherness,” said Jhalani. “We’re growing each year and hope to keep doing it even better in the years to come.”
