Over the past two weeks, Tenafly has come alive with the vibrant colors, lights, and festive spirit of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This joyous celebration, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, has brought the community together in ways that honor tradition while celebrating cultural diversity. From bustling gatherings and traditional performances to illuminating decorations and interactive events, Tenafly has embraced Diwali with a series of festivities that highlight the rich cultural heritage of its residents. Here’s a look at the exciting ways our community has celebrated this festival of lights, making this Diwali a truly memorable one for all.
Diwali Proclamation:
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Veera Patwardhan, Shreya Thakkar, Ananya Tibb, and Sid Sharma presented the Diwali Proclamation at the Tenafly Borough meeting, marking a moment of pride and cultural recognition for the Indian community. Their eloquent presentation highlighted the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Diwali, and the Mayor and Council declared October 28 through November 2, 2024, as Diwali Week in Tenafly, with October 31 recognized as Diwali.
Garba:
The Garba dance event in the McCandless Room was a lively and colorful celebration of Indian culture. The room was beautifully decorated with bright fabrics, strings of marigold flowers, and twinkling lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decorations added so much to the evening, setting the perfect tone and making everyone feel part of something special.
Garba, a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, is all about moving in circles, clapping, twirling, and just enjoying the rhythm. The music filled the room with energy, mixing classic beats with modern touches, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. People from Tenafly and nearby towns came dressed in vibrant, traditional outfits. Women wore colorful, flowing dresses, and men donned bright, patterned tunics. It was a beautiful sight to see everyone embracing the spirit of the evening.
The dance floor was alive with movement. Some dancers knew all the steps and led the way, while others joined in for the first time, learning as they went. It didn’t matter if you were a pro or a beginner—everyone was there to have a good time. Laughter and cheers echoed around the room as people twirled, clapped, and enjoyed the musical rhythm.
To keep everyone going, there was a table with delicious Indian food. It gave people a chance to take a break, relax, and connect while recharging for more dancing.
The event brought together people of all ages and backgrounds. Kids jumped in with excitement, copying the moves, while adults danced with big smiles, soaking in the joyful atmosphere. Even those who didn’t dance enjoyed the lively energy and sense of togetherness.
By the end of the night, the McCandless Room felt completely transformed. It wasn’t just about the decorations or music—it was the laughter, dancing, and connections that made the evening so special. It was more than a cultural event; it was a celebration of community and the joy of coming together.
Diya decorating:
The next day, the diya-decoration activity took place in the McCandless Room, bringing another layer of creativity and joy to the celebrations. Diyas, small oil lamps made from clay or mud with a cotton wick dipped in oil or ghee, symbolize light, hope, and positivity in Indian traditions. Kids and adults eagerly took part in the activity, painting the diyas with bright, vibrant colors, adding sparkles, gluing on beads, and even experimenting with intricate patterns to make each one truly unique. The room was buzzing with excitement as everyone’s creativity came to life.
There were also Indian dance performances by local kids who impressed the audience with their energy and talent. To make the day even more special, a professional dance teacher joined in, teaching traditional steps to anyone who wanted to learn.
It was a day full of light, laughter, and connection—a beautiful blend of creativity and culture that left everyone with wonderful memories to cherish.
Adding to the festivities, the THS Indian Cultural Club extended the celebration to the younger members of the community by organizing a diya-decorating session with the Tiger Tots preschoolers. Club members guided the little ones through the process of painting and decorating the diyas, fostering creativity and cultural learning in a fun, hands-on activity.
Official Diya Lighting:
Lastly, the biggest event of the celebrations was Tenafly’s first-ever diya lighting ceremony, held at Huyler Park. The Tenafly mayor and council members were in attendance to mark this special occasion. The main focus of the event was the official lighting of a single diya, which symbolized the start of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the next day.
The diya, a small clay lamp with a cotton wick dipped in oil, was carefully lit to usher in the spirit of Diwali. The soft, flickering light of the diya filled the air with warmth and positivity, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Sparklers were also part of the celebration, as children and adults waved them around, adding a festive glow to the evening.
This first-ever diya lighting ceremony in Tenafly was a beautiful and meaningful way to bring the community together, marking the beginning of Diwali with light, unity, and hope for the days ahead.
This year’s Diwali celebrations in Tenafly were a remarkable mixture of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. The vibrant events brought people of all ages and backgrounds together, creating cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. Looking ahead, Tenafly’s embrace of Diwali sets the stage for even more inclusive and meaningful celebrations in the years to come!
