Massive Gathering Celebrates Dussehra At Edison, NJ

India-West Staff Reporter

EDISON, NJ – Indo-American Festivals hosted its 26th Annual Grand Dussehra Festival on October 5 at the scenic Lake Papaianni Park here, marking a significant celebration that attracted over 15,000 attendees.

The day-long cultural extravaganza offered families a vibrant array of activities, performances, and showcases from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, embodying the festival’s theme of celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

The festivities kicked off with dazzling performances curated by the talented Pratibha Nichakawade, featuring 22 song and dance acts, along with captivating skits that captivated the audience. A highlight of the day was an epic rendition of Ramleela, presented by Varsha Naik’s group, featuring an impressive cast of 85 actors ranging in age from under two to over 70 years.

For the second consecutive year, the festival showcased a remarkable 15-foot-high Hanuman statue, the largest of its kind at any Dussehra festival in the U.S. This iconic figure was accompanied by a special arati further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the event.

As the evening approached, attendees were treated to the grand spectacle of Ravan Dahan, the ceremonial burning of a 25-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, meticulously crafted by Krishna Singhal. This symbolic act, representing Lord Ram’s triumph over evil, left the audience in awe as the towering effigy was set ablaze.

Throughout the day, festivalgoers indulged in a wide variety of delicious Indian delicacies from numerous food stalls. Vendors offered everything from traditional Indian street food to fusion cuisine, filling the air with vibrant aromas and flavors that enhanced the festive atmosphere.

In addition to the cultural performances and culinary delights, the event featured an array of family-friendly activities. Highlights included a free health and medical screening camp organized by the Agarwal Samaj of the USA, over 150 vendors showcasing Indian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts, raffles, and day-long live music and dance performances.

Notable guests included Edison Councilman Ajay Patil and Grammy Award-winning artist Falguni Shah. Guests were warmly welcomed by Chanchal Gupta (Chair of IAF), Raj Mittal (Co-Chair of IAF), Shiva Arya (President of IAF), and Dinesh Mittal (Immediate Past President of IAF). Their leadership, along with the dedication of IAF’s hardworking volunteers, ensured a smooth and joyous celebration.

This grand event was made possible through a grant from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders/Office of Culture & Heritage and the New Jersey State Council for the Arts/Department of State.