BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J.: In response to customer demand and to further showcase the joy and beauty of the Festival of Light, Bridgewater Commons has expanded Diwali @ The Commons into a two-day celebration of South Asian culture with live music and dance performances, demonstrations and more on October 18 and 19.
Bridgewater Commons, in partnership with Renascent Media, will celebrate the South Asian festival with a spectacular program in Center Court filled with live music, dance and vibrant yellow, red, and orange marigold flower décor curated by AWD Weddings. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions symbolizing the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Guests are encouraged to dress traditionally.
“Diwali is one of the most cherished religious festivals in South Asia, and we’re thrilled to honor our South Asian community by celebrating with them and entertaining all of our guests,” said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director at Bridgewater Commons. “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.”
Kicking off the festival at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, the Center Court program will feature:
- Ganesh Vandana, an opening devotional dance to invoke blessings and officially launch the festival.
- An instrumental music performance with flute by Madhukar, tabla by Prashant, and keyboard by Venugopal.
- Folk dances of India performed by Thangaat Garba Dance Group, Navrang Dance Academy, and Dancing Stars, showcasing dances from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and more.
- Sari Walk featuring influencers, socialites, and models presenting saris/outfits draped in traditional styles from across India.
- A music performance by Dr. Avish Jain, Medical Journalist at ABC News and musical sensation who founded his own brand “Musical Avish” representing various styles of Hindi American Fusion music.
- Mini Ramleela performed by Navrang Dance Academy presenting highlights from the Ramayana.
- A Bollywood Flash Mob finale featuring a high-energy dance performance transitioning into a participatory flash mob with audience involvement.
The live performances continue Sunday, October 19 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with the following:
- Fusion music performed by instrumental band by Raaga Rhythms.
- Dance performances by adults and young students of Nitya Rhythm. With 25+ years of experience in Indian dance, this Flemington, N.J.,-based academy teaches Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak to all ages.
- Cancer Awareness Walk presented by My Dream TV USA featuring Miss Bharat pageant winners and community doctors, all dressed in pink.
- Special dance performance by young twin social media sensations @RidhiSidhiTwins.
On both Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests can experience free mehndi stations, traditional product sampling, vendor booths including Star Tours, New York Life, Horizon BCBS, LT Foods, Shan Foods, Northlandz and more in Center Court and Lower Level.
Bridgewater Commons began its South Asian cultural celebrations in 2022 with Bollywood dance spectaculars in Center Court that featured over 40 performers, drawing hundreds of guests. Last year, the 1.2 million-square-foot center expanded the celebration, hosting spectacular live shows in Center Court filled with music, dance, tradition, crafts, giveaways, and more.
“Our center is not just a business core of the community, it’s a cultural core, too. That’s why we also are home to other cultural celebrations, including Lunar New Year and Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festivals, in honor of the unique diversity in Somerset County,” Kovacic continued.
Renascent Media, a pioneer in ethnic marketing and production, is thrilled to spearhead its partnership with Bridgewater Commons to celebrate Diwali.
“Diwali reminds us of the power of light to conquer darkness and of togetherness to overcome division,” said 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.”
Located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206, Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The 37-year-old center has seen the opening of multiple new retail and dining experiences recently, including Alo Yoga, Miniso, Pop Mart, Fogo de Chão, Shaquille O’Neil’s Big Chicken, Club Champion, FACE FOUNDRIÉ, Millburn Deli, and Pure Green.
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
