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Thousands gather at 27th annual Dushahra festival in Edison
Cultural performances, fireworks, and community spirit mark one of New Jersey’s largest Indian celebrations.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 06, Oct 2025
- 15:16 EDT
- 57
Thousands gathered for the 27th Annual Dushahra Festival organized by IAF / Courtesy: Sunil Dubey
Tens of thousands of people from across New Jersey and neighboring states gathered on Oct. 4 at Lake Papaianni Park in Edison for the 27th Annual Dushahra Festival.
The cultural event organized by Indo-American Festivals, Inc. (IAF) marked the triumph of good over evil with a mix of traditional performances, food, and fireworks.
The event opened with a three-hour cultural program showcasing hundreds of performers from local dance academies. The highlight was a large-scale Ramleela staged by Navrang Dance Academy, featuring more than 75 artists reenacting scenes from the Ramayana.
“It’s amazing to see such passion for our culture sustained year after year,” said Chanchal Gupta, chairperson of IAF.
Ramleela staged by Navrang Dance Academy at the 27th Annual Dushahra Festival organized by IAF / Courtesy: Sunil DubeyAlso Read: A gift from India: Jaipur Foot reaches Trinidad & Tobago
Adding to the spectacle was a live sand art show by artist Mayur, who visually retold the epic story through intricate creations that drew repeated applause from the audience.
The festival culminated in the symbolic burning of a 20-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, followed by a fireworks display that lit up the Edison skyline. The finale drew cheers from the crowd as families celebrated the symbolic victory of good over evil.
Effigy of Ravana being burned at the 27th Annual Dushahra Festival organized by IAF / Courtesy: Sunil Dubey
More than 75 vendors lined the park with stalls offering jewelry, traditional clothing, handicrafts, and community services. The food court had various regional Indian dishes on offer.
“It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about connecting generations through shared traditions,” said IAF president Shiva Arya.
“The community engagement we see each year proves that this festival has become an integral part of Edison’s cultural calendar,” said vice chair Raj Mittal.
Since its inception in 1999, IAF has organized the Dushahra Festival as a free public event celebrating Indian heritage and fostering cultural understanding in the tri-state area.
The organizers credited the event’s success to a team of volunteers and sponsors. The festival was supported by a grant from Middlesex County and assistance from the Township of Edison.
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