THOUSANDS EXPECTED AT CARY’S DIWALI AND EID CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEKEND AT BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2009
Hindu & Muslim festivals to feature the best in international food, arts and entertainment, including Indian “Idols”
CARY , NC – Two of Cary’s largest cultural celebrations will feature the best in international arts, culture and food this weekend at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, beginning with the Cary Diwali celebration on Saturday, October 10, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. followed by the Cary Eid Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free for Diwali, the most widely celebrated Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the New Year; Diwali means “a row of lights.” Admission is free for ages 12 and under to the Eid Festival; all others are $4.00. Eid al-Fitr, Festival of Feast, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca).
“We’re pleased to host these two spectacular, annual celebrations that capture the spirit of togetherness and diversity in our community,” said Cultural Arts Manager Lyman Collins.
The Diwali festival will offer entertainment, arts, food, and shopping reminiscent of India. Headlining this year’s festival is Sandeep Acharya, winner of Indian Idol Season 2 and Aditi Paul, winner of Indian Idol Finalist Season 1. “The theme for Cary Diwali 2009 is “Padharo Mhare Des” – Welcome to the Vibrant State of Rajasthan. Literally meaning “the land of royalty”, Rajasthan is the largest and may be the most “colorful” state of India. Diwali is co-sponsored by the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department and Hum Sub, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with residents of the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.
Co-sponsored by the Town of Cary and the N.C. Eid Festival, Inc., Cary’s Eid Festival will feature a bazaar, food, music, arts and dance from all over the world to celebrate two Muslim holidays, known as Eids. As part of the festivities, the Green Hope High School Orchestra, White Tigers Tae Kwondo, and various ethnic groups will perform. More than 9 million Muslims in the United States celebrate Eids along with over 1.5 billion people around the world in more than 100 countries on each continent. The mission of the N.C. Eid Festival, Inc. is “Bridging the Communities of various faiths, beliefs, and practices by promoting the Eid Festival as an American Holiday Event”.
Both the Diwali and Eid events will be held rain or shine.
For more, visit Diwali at www.townofcary.org and N.C. Eid Festival at www.nceidfestival.org.
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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager, (919) 462-3861
April Raphiou, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 481-5091
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
October 7, 2009
Hindu & Muslim festivals to feature the best in international food, arts and entertainment, including Indian “Idols”
CARY , NC – Two of Cary’s largest cultural celebrations will feature the best in international arts, culture and food this weekend at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, beginning with the Cary Diwali celebration on Saturday, October 10, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. followed by the Cary Eid Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free for Diwali, the most widely celebrated Hindu festival that marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the New Year; Diwali means “a row of lights.” Admission is free for ages 12 and under to the Eid Festival; all others are $4.00. Eid al-Fitr, Festival of Feast, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca).
“We’re pleased to host these two spectacular, annual celebrations that capture the spirit of togetherness and diversity in our community,” said Cultural Arts Manager Lyman Collins.
The Diwali festival will offer entertainment, arts, food, and shopping reminiscent of India. Headlining this year’s festival is Sandeep Acharya, winner of Indian Idol Season 2 and Aditi Paul, winner of Indian Idol Finalist Season 1. “The theme for Cary Diwali 2009 is “Padharo Mhare Des” – Welcome to the Vibrant State of Rajasthan. Literally meaning “the land of royalty”, Rajasthan is the largest and may be the most “colorful” state of India. Diwali is co-sponsored by the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department and Hum Sub, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with residents of the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.
Co-sponsored by the Town of Cary and the N.C. Eid Festival, Inc., Cary’s Eid Festival will feature a bazaar, food, music, arts and dance from all over the world to celebrate two Muslim holidays, known as Eids. As part of the festivities, the Green Hope High School Orchestra, White Tigers Tae Kwondo, and various ethnic groups will perform. More than 9 million Muslims in the United States celebrate Eids along with over 1.5 billion people around the world in more than 100 countries on each continent. The mission of the N.C. Eid Festival, Inc. is “Bridging the Communities of various faiths, beliefs, and practices by promoting the Eid Festival as an American Holiday Event”.
Both the Diwali and Eid events will be held rain or shine.
For more, visit Diwali at www.townofcary.org and N.C. Eid Festival at www.nceidfestival.org.
###
PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager, (919) 462-3861
April Raphiou, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 481-5091
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, (919) 460-4951
