CARY DIWALI CELEBRATION – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park
FREE & open to the public

Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival and marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the New Year. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali encourages artistic expression through vibrant performances by local artists, unique exhibits and colorful decorations. Each year Cary Diwali dazzles the crowd with a colorful and energetic cultural program, vendor bazaar, delicious Indian food and cultural exhibition.

This year's theme is Sanskriti - Culture Transcending Borders. The festival will highlight how Indian cultural traditions and values have transcended geographic and ideological boundaries to survive and enrich other cultures and races while still maintaining its own distinctive identity and values. The influence of Indian culture, tradition and values will be highlighted through the presentation of artistic expressions of music and dance by local children, dance schools, ethnic handicrafts, clothing and jewelry bazaars, exhibitions and food from various parts of India.

This year's grand finale will feature the internationally acclaimed Mayuri - Indian Dance Ensemble, based in Petrovzadovsk, Russia. This highly talented group of performers will show how a Russian dance school was able to foster, highlight and share Indian artistic traditions across geographic borders. Led by Evgrafova Vera Ivanovna, this group of 18 wonderfully talented performers will showcase the best of India's dance traditions through four main Indian dance styles: Bharata Natyam, Kathak, folk dances and dances on Bollywood music. Their performance culminates with spectacular fireworks that will close the event in grand style.

The general public is invited to come and enjoy all that Cary Diwali has to offer. Experience thousands of years of Indian culture in a modern, festive setting with fun for the entire family. Get an ornamental henna application on your palm or wrist. Enjoy performances from various parts of India. Enjoy a variety of authentic Indian foods.

Cary Diwali is presented by Hum Sub and the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department.

For more information contact:
Rob Garner
Cultural Arts Program Specialist
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
(919) 460-4963
rob.garner@townofcary.org