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Bridgewater Commons to host expanded Diwali celebrations
The celebration will feature live music, dance performances, traditional art forms, and cultural exhibits at the shopping center’s Center Court.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 09, Oct 2025
- 16:55 EDT
- 32
Live performances of traditional dances are a highlight of Bridgewater Commons’ Diwali celebration. / Photo credit: Bridgewater Commons
Bridgewater Commons, Somerset County’s largest retail destination, will host an expanded two-day Diwali celebration this year on Oct. 18 and 19.
The annual Diwali @ The Commons event, organized in partnership with Renascent Media, has been expanded to two days in response to growing community participation, organizers said.
Also Read: LA County renews official recognition of Diwali
The celebration will feature live music, dance performances, traditional art forms, and cultural exhibits at the shopping center’s Center Court.
“Diwali reminds us of the power of light to conquer darkness and of togetherness to overcome division,” added Tanvi Prenita Chandra, founder of Renascent Media. “At Renascent Media, we believe in inspiring communities to build a better future. This event is a celebration of harmony, awareness, and shared humanity.”
Tom Kovacic, marketing and business development director at Bridgewater Commons said the strong response to last year’s celebration prompted organizers to expand this year’s festivities. “Last year’s event was so successful that everyone wanted more, and working with Renascent Media, we’re delighted to expand our Diwali celebration into a second day with even more performances and displays,” he said.
The program will begin on Oct. 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a Ganesh Vandana—a devotional dance to invoke blessings—followed by instrumental performances featuring Madhukar on flute, Prashant on tabla, and Venugopal on keyboard. Folk dances from various Indian states will be performed by Thangaat Garba Dance Group, Navrang Dance Academy, and Dancing Stars.
The schedule also includes a Sari Walk featuring socialites, influencers, and models in traditional Indian attire; a Hindi-American fusion music performance by Dr. Avish Jain, founder of “Musical Avish”; and a Mini Ramleela by Navrang Dance Academy depicting episodes from the Ramayana. The day will conclude with a Bollywood flash mob inviting audience participation.
Festivities will continue on Oct. 19, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a fusion music performance by Raaga Rhythms, followed by dance recitals by students and adult performers from Nitya Rhythm, a Flemington-based academy specializing in Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak.
A Cancer Awareness Walk organized by My Dream TV USA will also take place, featuring Miss Bharat pageant winners and community doctors dressed in pink, followed by a performance by the twin social media personalities Ridhi-Sidhi.
The event aims to highlight the colors, sounds, and traditions of South Asia, with marigold décor in hues of yellow, red, and orange curated by AWD Weddings.
In addition to live performances, visitors can enjoy free mehndi (henna) sessions, product samplings, and vendor booths from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Participating vendors include Star Tours, New York Life, Horizon BCBS, LT Foods, Shan Foods, and Northlandz.
Bridgewater Commons began hosting South Asian cultural events in 2022 with Bollywood dance performances that drew large crowds. In 2023, the mall expanded its calendar to include a variety of cultural festivities.
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