Pelham Diwali Celebration This Weekend

It's the most wonderful time of the year, indeed. December is a month filled with celebrations by many faith cultures and Pelham Art Center is turning its attention to one of the largest.

This Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Arts Westchester Free Arts Day, Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY will once again host the Festival of Lights called Diwali.

Diwali is celebrated by several Asian faith communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, usually in October or November for five days. Oil lamps are lit to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. 

This weekend's program will be part of Pelham Art Center's Folk Art Series and included workshops and performances highlighting the culture of India.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, artist Manjula Kandaswamy will be on hand applying the temporary henna skin decorations known as Mendhi. There will also be a tile-making workshop and another that will allow participants to make the traditional clay pot candle holders called Diya for the Diwali celebration.

The traditional classic Indian dance form called Odissi will also be showcased during an hour-long performance by performer Bani Ray starting at 2:30 p.m.

Electrical contractor Broadway Electric is a benefactor of the event.