On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Indian Culture Club brought light and celebration to Tenafly with its second annual diya lighting at Huyler Park. The event, rooted in the traditions of Diwali, symbolized the strength, resilience, and unity of Indian culture, inviting everyone in the Tenafly community to share a piece of this tradition.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a cultural celebration resembling the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The lighting of diyas, small clay lamps filled with oil and cotton wicks, represents hope, knowledge, and renewal. Diwali is celebrated over five days to mark new beginnings . During this time, people often wear new clothes, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the welcoming of blessings and prosperity. They also clean their homes, a tradition believed to clear both physical and spiritual clutter.
While diya lightings aren’t exclusive to Diwali, they are still used to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and welcome the Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Diyas are also used in daily prayers, sacred rituals, life events like weddings and births, and other festivals, specifically like Karthigai Deepam.
During the lighting, Tenafly council members and Mayor Zinna accompanied the ICC as they lit the diyas across a table. Joined by many families of all cultures, this celebration commemorated the start of Diwali, which began on October 20. Kids and adults waved sparklers, adding to the bright, festive environment, and brought the community together in a meaningful way. Traditional Indian food and drinks were also brought for families to try and enjoy.
The Indian Culture Club, led by co-presidents Jiya Ali (’26) and Shreya Sibal (’26) along with co-vice presidents Veera Patwardhan (’26) and Reika Chakrabarti (’27), hope to share their Indian culture throughout THS and the broader Tenafly community. “Sharing our traditions, from the light to the food, gives our whole community a collective sense of hope, unity, and shows the strength of our culture!” Chakrabarti said.
The ICC has lots of plans for the upcoming future of the club. “In November, we want to repeat the diya painting with the Tiger Tots,” Ali explained, “And of course, in the Lunar New Year festival, we will do our Bollywood dances.”
The diya lighting reflected more than just tradition; it reflected Tenafly’s growing appreciation for cultural diversity. Through events like this, the Indian Culture Club continues to spread awareness, appreciation, and pride in Indian culture across Tenafly.
