STONY BROOK, N.Y. – On Sunday, November 3 at 1 pm the Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host the Hindu Diwali Festival of Lights celebration at their Educational & Cultural Center.
Performances include Nartan Rang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. They have performed at the United Nations, Madison Square Garden, Stony Brook University, Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With their colorful costumes they will showcase various styles and genres of the Indian dance. Tamil Academy will also perform traditional Parai Drumming with ITPA’s NY-Parai-Group – used in ancient times to warn citizens about upcoming war, during festivals and at special celebrations.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous Hindu festival, held in October or November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and marks the beginning of the fiscal year in India. It is India’s largest and most important holiday of the year. The festival is so named from the lamps that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains all over the world. “Stony Brook is one of the most diverse communities on Long Island, and we want to celebrate that diversity” said Gloria Rocchio, President of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. “We would like to thank everyone in advance for making this event successful and wish you all a very Happy Diwali.”
All guests will be welcome to enjoy food tastings by The Curry Club. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children under 12. Call 631-689-5888 for additional information and reservations. The event is partially sponsored by RJG Consulting Group, Walmart and Apple Bank
