AAPI Montclair has hosted festive and joyous community Diwali celebrations in Montclair since 2021. This year, the organization is celebrating the Diwali/Deepavali holiday in a more authentic and inclusive way—with an entire season of festivities and recognition of the cultural diversity within the South Asian community, explains Lavi Raghavan, co-chair for Light Up Montclair and AAPI board member.

The festival of lights is called Diwali in Northern India and Deepavali in Southern India. The organization decided to honor all those who celebrate with this dual acknowledgment.

In addition to the flagship event, Light Up Montclair, a host of exciting festivities is set to illuminate Montclair throughout the month of October.

AAPI Montclair Diwali/Deepavali Festivities

Residents can be a part of the tribute by sponsoring a banner for $151.

Light Up Downtown with Montclair Center BID
This Deepavali, downtown Montclair will be decked in festive banners and lights for an entire month to herald the Diwali season—emphasizing the town’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. A ceremony on Saturday, October 14, will mark the occasion with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Montclair Center BID officials, AAPI Montclair president Amber Reed, and a short dance performance. Brick Lane Curry House will provide delicious hot samosas to enjoy.

Dandiya Raas and Garba are folk dances from the state of Gujarat, India and are popularly performed during the festival of Navratri, a nine-day festival.(Photo: AAPI Montclair)

Raas Garba
Sunday, October 15, 4–8 p.m.
Women’s Club of Glen Ridge, 219 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge
Kick off this festive season with an evening of Dandiya Raas, Garba, music and food! Both Dandiya Raas and Garba are folk dances from Gujarat, India and are popularly performed during the festival of Navratri, a nine-day festival.
Tickets: Adult: $40.00 • Child (ages 3-12): $25.00 • Child (ages 0-2): Free. Online here.

Geetika Immaneni practices her poses at the 2021 Light Up Montclair Diwali celebration, on Oct. 16, 2021 outside the Montclair Art Museum. Geetika performed on stage with Kulture Kool at the festival. (LOUIS C. HOCHMAN/FOR MONTCLAIR LOCAL)

Light Up Montclair
Saturday, October 21, from 2–6 p.m. *Rain Date: Sunday, October 22
Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
AAPI Montclair’s annual Deepavali festival returns to the Montclair Art Museum! This vibrant gathering honors the diverse cultural traditions of the South Asian diaspora. Spend the afternoon at MAM enjoying live performances, interactive arts & crafts, learning about South Asian Non-Governmental Organizations and Indian textiles, hearing from South Asian authors and delighting in sweet and savory bites from food trucks. With your ticket, you’ll also get an opportunity to explore the galleries at the museum.
Tickets: $8 for individuals and $28 for families (limit five attendees per family). Children under the age of 5 are admitted free. Free to MAM members! Online here.

Georgette Gilmore is Montclair Local's Engagement Editor. She's an avid reader and eater and loves a good cocktail. Georgette is a proud Jersey Girl who has lived in Montclair for 22 years.