Diwali

As one of the most important holidays in India, the Diwali: Festival of Lights signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. 

All are welcome and encouraged to join the Summit Area YMCA, in partnership with the Berkeley Heights Diversity Council, the Diversity Committee of New Providence, the Springfield Unity Project, and GLHS Understanding Asian Cultures Club, for a special community Celebration of Diwali, November 5, 4:00 PM, at the Berkeley Heights YMCA. Registration is required.

This cultural program is made possible in part by a 2021 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

 

The Diwali Festival will feature programs for all ages, including music and dance performances, henna, arts & crafts, Indian cuisine (available for purchase), Bollywood dance, where all participants join in on the fun, plus the opportunity to learn about Diwali ceremonial rituals, customs and more! The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

Berkeley Heights YMCA

Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Registration is now closed. Due to capacity, walk-ins will not be accepted. 

This special event is free and open to all, including guests.

program:

• Lighting Ceremony
• Dance Performances
• Arts & Crafts for Kids
• Bollywood Dance Party
• Indian Cuisine (Available for purchase from Neelam Indian Cuisine & South Street Market)

HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & GLOBAL INNOVATION

The Summit Area YMCA is the first Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation Network YMCA in New Jersey committed to creating a culture in which diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. Through welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, we welcome and engage all people from all diverse groups of the community to help and create lasting, meaningful change. We at the Y realize that in order to better the world around us and for the future, we must unite and work towards the strengthening of the individual in mind, body and spirit. For a stronger individual. For a united community. For a better us.

Learn more

QUESTIONS?

Tiffany Escott

Mission Advancement & Development Director
SUMMIT AREA YMCA
tiffany.escott@thesay.org

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association, but today, we are The Y. An association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.