Diwali Celebration With Dance, Music, Fashion Coming To Bridgewater Commons

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Commons will host its annual Diwali @ The Commons celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 90-minute program of live music, dance, fashion and audience participation in Center Court.

The event is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bridgewater Commons, 400 Commons Way, Bridgewater Township.

According to the announcement, the celebration is presented by Open Road Auto Group in partnership with Renascent Media and will take place amid Diwali décor curated by Atharv Events.

Diwali, described in the announcement as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India and by communities around the world.

The holiday symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Guests are encouraged to attend in traditional and festive attire.

Several groups will make their Diwali @ The Commons debut this year.

According to the announcement, Kalashri School of Dance, Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy and Om Guha will perform traditional and Bollywood choreography, including a fusion of classical dance, hip-hop and rap.

New Jersey-based fashion brand Pinkaari is also scheduled to present a runway showcase. Returning performers include Madhukar Kshirsagar.

The live program will open with “Ganesh Kauthuvam,” a Bharatanatyam performance by Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam.

Other scheduled performances include Bollywood singing and flute with live instruments by the Madhukar Kshirsagar Group, “From Old to New Bollywood” with Bina Menon and Kalashri School of Dance, and a kids' Bollywood dance performance by Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy choreographed by Mitali Roy.

Also on the schedule are a sitar and tabla performance by Om Guha and an accompanying tabla artist, “Semi-Classical Meets Hip-Hop” from Jayshree Srikanta and Dance X Studio, and “Diya Dance” by Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam.

Pinkaari's sustainable fashion show will highlight Indian textiles, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style, according to the announcement.

The event will also include an adult Bollywood dance performance by Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy, a Bollywood dance mix by Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam, and a contemporary rap performance by Baba KSD. Navrang Dance Academy will present “Ramleela: Homecoming of Lord Ram,” followed by a grand finale led by Varsha Naik that will invite the audience to join in.

Bridgewater Commons is located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206. More information is available at bridgewatercommons.com.