Diwali is coming to Dunwoody celebrating the Festival of Lights, one of the most significant cultural events for the South Asian community, with a three-event celebration across the city from Oct. 29 – Nov. 3.
The events will be held at Spruill Center for the Arts, Dunwoody Nature Center, and Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter, according to a statement released from Create Dunwoody, the organization spearheading the effort.
“We are excited to bring a Diwali celebration to Dunwoody,” said Jennifer Long, executive director of Create Dunwoody. “This immersive experience is a chance to showcase all that Dunwoody has to offer from community landmarks to businesses and highlight its vibrant community. We encourage businesses, organizations, and the community to join us in these celebrations, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The kickoff event on Oct. 29 is a workshop from 1-4 p.m. at Spruill, which will teach participants to design their own Rangoli and Diya, an art form that is used to welcome prosperity and happiness during the season. Each of the two sessions will last one hour. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased online.
“We are excited to be part of this event that celebrates both art and multiculturalism in our community,” Alan Mothner, executive director of Spruill, said.
On Nov. 1, DNC will host the “Story of Diwali: A Vibrant Re-enactment” where attendees can witness the traditional story of Diwali followed by a Diya lighting ceremony, a symbolic gesture representing the triumph of light over darkness. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online.
The highlight of the festivities, “Night of Lights: A Diwali Celebration,” will be held at the Le Meridian Nov. 3 from 6:30 – 11 p.m. The gala will showcase cultural performances, including traditional Indian music, dance, and fashion highlighting ethnic attire. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample an array of authentic Indian cuisine showcasing the regional foods of India.
Entertainment includes performances by GT Bhangra Team, Atlanta Kathak, West Forsyth International Dance Team featuring participants from Austin Elementary School.
Tickets are $125 each and can be purchase online.
“I am thrilled that Create Dunwoody is sponsoring a series of events so that we can all learn about and celebrate Diwali in Dunwoody,” the city’s mayor, Lynn Deutsch, said. “Art and cultural events are becoming an important way that we can recognize and embrace our community’s diversity.”
