CARY DIWALI CELEBRATION
an Indian Celebration of Lights

Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
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,” and will be celebrated with fireworks.

Headlining this year’s festival is the renowned “A Band of Boys,” also known as ABOB. ABOB’s music is popular not just in India, but in many countries world-wide. Their fans consist of teeny boppers as well as 30- and 40-somethings.

The theme of this year's Cary Diwali is Kalanjali - A Tribute to Art. India has a rich and varied history of art. The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies. This variety of Indian art forms has been the distinctive feature of the Indian culture, an ancient, diverse and resilient culture stretching back to more than 5000 years. Successive years of migration have been absorbed into the culture giving it a distinct and rich physical, religious, linguistic and racial variety. Cary Diwali will celebrate and pay tribute to Indian art that defines, distinguishes and also unites the people of India.

The celebration features classical/folk music and dance shows, skits, a bazaar for handmade crafts and clothing, a variety of foods from the Indian subcontinent, and exhibits showing the celebration of Diwali in India. Hum Sub, Inc. presents this event in co-sponsorship with Town of Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources.

Attendees will enjoy a diverse array of Indian dance and music presentations throughout the day on the main podium. Nearby, an exhibition is a must see. This year’s exhibition will be a tribute to art of India and will focus on India’s beautiful visual arts. Stop by and view a wide variety of magnificent display of India’s antique clothing, jewelry, handicrafts and paintings from various regions of India. Be sure to be there to watch the brides from all over India adorned in traditional attire and jewelry at 2 p.m. The handicrafts bazaar, and variety of Indian cuisine offered on the amphitheatre grounds create a carnival-like atmosphere.

LINKS
http://www.humsub.net

Why should I attend Cary Diwali?

For general public: Cary Diwali offers a glimpse of thousands of years old Indian culture in a modern festive setting with fun for the entire family. Get ornamental henna application on your palm or wrist. Witness dances from various parts of India. Learn more about the country while strolling past exhibitions on India’s tradition and modernity, along with Yoga demonstrations. And of course, enjoy a variety of authentic Indian foods.

For people of Indian origin: Cary Diwali gives you an opportunity to share your cultural heritage with friends and neighbors who may not know a lot about India. It also gives you 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 the great epics. Through the centuries, she has welcomed myriad cultures, religions and traditions with open arms. Diwali focuses on such acceptance, which is especially critical in this age.

Presenters of the celebration are Hum Sub and Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.

Darrell Stover
Cultural arts program specialist
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
(919) 460-4963
darrell.stover@townofcary.org