Maplewood Diwali Fest NJ To Feature Free Food, Music And Family Fun

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood families can look forward to an afternoon of music, dancing and cultural traditions as Diwali Fest NJ prepares for its ninth annual celebration.

The free festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park Amphitheater, 145 Dunnell Road.

Presented by SOMA Cross-Cultural Works in partnership with the Township of Maplewood and Maplewood Arts & Culture, the event celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

Visitors can enjoy Indian food, shopping, henna, face painting and children's activities.

Performances will feature Samarth Nagarkar, Bansari, Rutgers Raag, SOMA Dance Mob and local dance groups.

"Whether you celebrate Diwali every year or are experiencing it for the first time, everyone is welcome," said festival director Deepak Jhalani.

The celebration will conclude with a community lamp-lighting ceremony around 5:45 p.m., followed by sparklers at 6 p.m.

Approximately 1,500 people attended last year's festival, according to a press release provided to Patch.

Admission is free, with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 18.

For more information, visit the official Diwali Fest NJ website.

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.