Indo-American Festivals Inc.(IAF) will host its 25th Grand Dushahra Festival on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Lake Papaianni Park in Edison, NJ. The curtain-raiser, held on Sunday, April 23, 2023, was attended by more than 40 committee members, supporters and community leaders.
One of the most anticipated events in the Indo-American community, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Festivities will include a Ramleela show by Varsha Naik’s group followed by a cultural program by Prathibha. The highlight will be the burning of a 25-foot-tall Ravana effigy created by Krishna Singhal in the Ravan Dahan ceremony, the organizers said in a statement.
According to the pre-event release, the Agarwal Samaj of the USA will host health/medical camps during the event. Meena bazaar items, arts and crafts stalls and food stalls offering mouth-watering Indian cuisine, raffles, music and dance will also be present at the park.
Jointly funded by the Middlesex County Board and the NJ State Council for Arts, the festival’s expenses are also covered by contributions and donations by the community.
Founded in 1999, by Mangal Gupta, IAF is a non-profit volunteer organisation. Its annual Dussehra event has grown exponentially over the years and draws more than 10000 visitors. The organizers have announced October 28, 2023, as an alternate day of celebration in case of inclement weather.
