PELHAM, NY -- Pelham Art Center will host a celebration of Diwali on Sunday, November 19 from 1-3pm. This afternoon highlighting Diwali traditions and Indian culture is free, open to the public, and geared toward all ages—kids and adults alike.

This year’s program will include a classical Kathak dance performance, a Bollywood/Fusion dance performance with an interactive component, an Indian cultural magic show, and a hands-on art project where participants will have the opportunity to craft their own bejeweled paper diya, representing enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge, and wisdom.

Performers include Kathak Dance by students of Anindita Ganguly, PhD (Swapna Dance Academy), Bollywood/Fusion Dance by students of Heena Jain, and Indian Cultural Magic by Shreeyash Palshikar, PhD.

Diwali unites family and community with its promise of hope and joy. It is a major festival for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, who believe that light is a metaphor for knowledge and signifies health, wealth and peace. This rich cultural celebration, also signifying light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance for all is a long-standing tradition at Pelham Art Center, where it has been celebrated for 15+ years.