CARY DIWALI CELEBRATION – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park

Free & open to the public

DESCRIPTION
Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival and marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the New Year. Diwali means “a row of lights.”

Headlining this year’s festival is the internationally known Bollywood actress, model, singer and MTV VJ Raageshwari “Ragz”. Her repertoire ranges from pop songs to ballads, Bhangra to Bollywood, London Club to Underground Pub, Sufi to disco and the De Dandiya dance.  There’s no doubt that her high energy dancing and singing will delight the whole crowd!

The theme for Cary Diwali 2008 is Santulan – Balancing Different Elements. Santulan is a Hindi word that means stability or balance. The theme for this year’s event is inspired from one of the best qualities of India, her Santulan. The strength and resilience of India lies in her ability to maintain a balance between many different aspects of life. India’s collective psyche has successfully struck equilibrium between what is old and new, modern and traditional, physical and spiritual. People of diverse religious faiths and different ethnic backgrounds coexist in India. Cary Diwali hopes to capture the spirit of this balance and coexistence in the cultural program, exhibition and vendor participation.

Cary Diwali 2008 will feature an all-day cultural program that celebrates the balance between an array of performing art forms. The content of the program will be a balance of latest music and dance originating in India as well as music and dance that emerged hundreds of years ago. In a manner befitting this year’s theme, the cultural program will also include different types of performers (boys and girls, young and old, Indians and non-Indians). One of Hum Sub’s aims is to bring the highest quality programs to the stage while promoting local talent.

The exhibition at Cary Diwali 2008 will pay homage to India’s Santulan, which is the secret of her success and stability. The exhibition aims to represent this balance by showcasing India’s recent and ancient past. Attendees can also visit and shop at the Bazaar for a wide variety of handicrafts, jewelry and music. Cary Diwali 2008 will bring together a record number of carefully selected vendors from across the United States.

Throughout the day food vendors will be selling authentic Indian food. Corresponding with this year’s theme, there will be a variety of cuisine from different parts of India. In response to visitor feedback in 2007, Hum Sub has increased the number of food vendors. Like last year, our goal is for food lines to move quickly so that the visitors have more time to enjoy the performances and exhibits. The festivities will culminate in the evening with a dazzling presentation of music and dance by Raageshwari, followed by a spectacular display of fireworks.

LINKS
http://www.humsub.net

Why should I attend Cary Diwali?

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. Witness dances from various parts of India. Learn more about India by strolling past exhibitions on India’s tradition and modernity. Make sure you don’t forget to enjoy a variety of authentic Indian foods.
Cary Diwali gives persons of Indian origin the opportunity to share their cultural heritage with friends and neighbors who may not know much about India. It also gives them an opportunity to enjoy classical/folk music and dance, a variety of foods and many other attractions.

A love for life, wisdom and the triumph of good over evil are reflected in India's dance, music and epic tales. Through the centuries, India has welcomed a myriad of cultures, religions and traditions with open arms. Cary Diwali focuses on this acceptance, which is especially important in today’s world.

Cary Diwali is presented by Hum Sub and Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources.

Contact
Rob Garner
Cultural Arts Program Specialist
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
(919) 460-4963
rob.garner@townofcary.org