From Halloween to Rosh Hashana + Yom Kippur, October is month filled with celebrations. Another holiday happening this month is Diwali, a holiday observed by Hindus and other Indian and South Asian religious communities that celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. From Thursday, October 31st to Friday, November 1st, New Jersey locals will engage in feasts, gatherings, and ceremonies, such as a lamp lighting ceremony to recognize how light conquers darkness in honor of Diwali. Read on to learn more about Diwali events happening in North New Jersey + beyond for 2024 — as well as more about the traditions + activities that take place during this festive holiday.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Montclair Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
Diwali Events
Light Up Diwali: A Diwali Celebration
Montclair Art Museum 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJAAPI New Jersey’s annual Light Up Diwali festival honors the diverse cultural traditions of the South Asian diaspora. Spend the afternoon enjoying vibrant performances, delicious food, kid-friendly crafts, book readings,…
Celebrate Diwali 2024 with AAPI New Jersey
Montclair Art Museum 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJEveryone is invited to the AAPI's Diwali celebration, which will feature vibrant music, dance performances, kid-friendly crafts, + more.
Diwal’Oween Movie
West Orange Public Library 10 Rooney Circle, West Orange, NJFirst, enjoy Diwali-inspired crafts and activities presented by the West Orange High School Asian Culture Club and United Asian Voices. After, watch West Orange filmmaker Shilpa Mankikar's award-winning Diwal'Oween, a…
Diwali Bonanza
Jashan by Dhaba 252 US-46, Parsippany, NJCelebrate Diwali with live music, DJ beats, an Indian buffet with 50+ dishes, + a firework show at Jashan.
3rd Annual Edison Diwali Festival
Enjoy over 100,000 lights on display accompanied by live music, Edison's first drone show, 50+ vendors, henna, + much more.
Diwali Fest NJ 2024
Maplewood Memorial Park 580 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJMaplewood will be hosting its 6th annual Diwali celebration featuring music, dance, food, + fun for everyone.
Glen Ridge Diwali Lamp Lighting
Glen Ridge Building Department 825 Bloomfield Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJFor the first time, the Glen Ridge School District will observe Diwali as a holiday, thanks to the dedicated advocacy of South Asian parents within the community. To commemorate this,…
Read More: New Holiday Pop-Up Shop, From Italy, With Love, Opening in Montclair on 11/2
House Cleansing + Decorating
In the days leading up to Diwali, celebrants often prepare by deep cleaning and decorating their houses. Legend has it that Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, only graces clean and tidy homes. Decluttering and cleaning also help manage stress and boost mood.
After cleaning, the houses are lit with Diya, or oil lamps, which can be bought at local markets. Many people decorate their floors with rangoli, intricate patterns made of candles, colored rice, or flower petals. In fact, rangoli-making can be a bonding activity that all family members, including small children, can participate in. Here is a fun guide on how to make rangoli with all-natural dyes.
The Art of Indian Dance Class
To get into the upbeat Diwali mood, join an Indian dance class at a local dance studio. Sonalee’s Dance Studio in Edison and Nritya Creations Academy of Dance in Iselin teach various genres of dances, including Bhangra and Bollywood, as well as fitness classes with Indian dance choreography. During the lead-up to Diwali, there are sessions featuring choreography to famous Bollywood tracks.
Indian Cuisine
Food is an essential part of the Diwali celebration. Little morsels of fried snacks including samosas, chaat, Pakora, and many more are nibbled throughout the day with masala chai. Rich, elaborately-prepared meals are shared daily among families, which often consist of creamy dals; aromatic curries, puffy fritters fried in ghee; and smooth, richly-spiced puddings.
For snacks, head to local markets like Narmada Indian Groceries in Clifton or Go Fresh Produce Market + Indian Groceries in Paramus where shoppers can mix and match small portions of Indian street food cheerfully displayed in glass cases.
For authentic Indian cuisine in the area, there are tons of great options that include Apna Punjab Indian Restaurant in Bloomfield, Tashan: Divine Indian Dining in West Caldwell, Jalwa in Montclair, Dhamaal in Montclair, BayLeaf Redefined Indian Cuisine in South Orange, and Tandoori Chef 2 in Maplewood. Check out our full roundup of Indian restaurants in Montclair + Essex County here.
Indian Sweets
Mithai, or Indian sweets, are perhaps the most looked-forward-to part of the Diwali food tradition. The sweets come in countless variations but are all enjoyable for their warm, nutty flavors, thanks to the generous use of ghee, nuts, dried fruit, and tropical spices.
See More: The Best Indian Food Restaurants in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
A popular spot for Mithai in the area is Jain Foods in Linden. Try the kulfi, nutty, aromatic “Indian ice cream” for an indulgent treat. The eatery also has a dazzling selection of savory snacks.
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