North Jersey towns hosting Diwali celebrations. Here's a list where

Ricardo Kaulessar, NorthJersey.com
Updated ·4 min read
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Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights, which celebrates the symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The festival, which is celebrated for five days this year from Nov. 9 to 14, will see Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light their homes, temples and workspaces with traditional Indian diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns while preparing large meals and enjoying sweets. The festival dates back to the 1st millennium to various festivals held in ancient India.

In North Jersey, where there's a sizable population of people from the Indian subcontinent, events to mark Diwali will be held in various towns. They are free unless otherwise noted.

The River Dell Indian Association hosted its fifth annual Diwali celebration at Riverdell Regional High School.
The River Dell Indian Association hosted its fifth annual Diwali celebration at Riverdell Regional High School.

Bergen County

The Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library in Fair Lawn presents the Diwali (Families of All Ages) Celebration on Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. No registration is required. The library is at 10-01 Fair Lawn Ave.

The East Rutherford Public Library, 143 Boiling Springs Ave., will host a Diwali Children's Program on Saturday from 12 to 1 p.m. The program will include story time and crafts. Registration is in person.

Diwali Story Time & Craft will be held at Hackensack's Johnson Free Public Library, 274 Main St. on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.

Allendale's Lee Memorial Public Library will hold its Diwali Celebration! on Monday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Open to all ages, registration is required. The event will be outside the library located at 500 W. Crescent Ave. Participants will have the opportunity to view Rangoli art and paint diya lamps. Be aware that the materials used can potentially stain or damage clothing.

Diwali Storytime will happen at Teaneck Public Library, 840 Teaneck Road, on Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. The event will include stories and a fun activity. Open to children ages 3 to 9. Registration is required.

The Ramsey Free Public Library, 30 Wyckoff Ave., will hold its Diwali Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 4 to 5 p.m. Open to children in grades K through 5. Celebrate with a craft.  It is limited to 12 participants. Registration is required.

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Diwali Story & Craft In-Person at the Rutherford Free Public Library, 150 Park Ave., will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Miss Bhavna will share a story about Diwali, and participants will make a Rangoli craft. Open to children ages 5 to 10. Registration is required, but when registering, use your child's name. Rutherford residents will get preference.

Celebrate Diwali: Dancing Devi will take place at the Paramus Public Library, 116 E. Century Road, on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Author Priya Parikh will read from her new book, "Dancing Devi." Guests will also be able to create crafts and sample Indian treats. The event is for children ages five and up.

For the above events requiring registration, visit this link - BCCLS Library Events - LibCal - Bergen County Cooperative Library System.

Morris County

With Diwali approaching, learn how to make various chutneys (spreads common in Indian cuisine) with Chef Mark at an interactive class on Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at 100 Jefferson Park in Whippany. Registration is required. Chutney Making Class Tickets, Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite

The Parsippany Public Library will hold its annual Diwali celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Library, 449 Halsey Road. The event will include music, dancing, and celebration. Open to the public. 11/11/2023 | Diwali Celebration | Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library (assabetinteractive.com)

Influencer Anjali Dhir captures the essence of Diwali in traditional attire with homemade Rose Kalakand, potato puffs, and the glow of the Diwali lamp.
Influencer Anjali Dhir captures the essence of Diwali in traditional attire with homemade Rose Kalakand, potato puffs, and the glow of the Diwali lamp.

The ISKCON (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple in Towaco, 100 Jacksonville Road, will hold a Diwali and Annakuta celebration for the public on Sunday at 4 p.m. The celebration is not only a commemoration of Diwali but also Annakuta, a food festival. Festivities include Damodarastakam kirtan, a ghee lamp religious offering, and a feast. Diwali and Annakuta Celebration | ISKCON of New Jersey

Passaic County

A Diwali Craft event will be held at Clifton Public Library on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Celebrate Diwali by creating a craft. For ages 4 and up. Registration is required and can be done at the library's website. EventKeeper - Popup Event

The Little Falls Public Library will celebrate Diwali with Diwali Story Time on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The event includes story time and a craft. All are welcome. Register your child on the library's website as craft supplies are limited. The library is located at 8 Warren St. Call 973-256-2784 for more information. Little Falls Public Library – Events (engagedpatrons.org)

Wayne Mayor Christopher Vergano and the Wayne Indian community invite the public to attend the Diwali Lighting Celebration on Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Wayne Township Building, 475 Valley Road. The celebration includes music and dance. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to donate to the Wayne Interfaith Network Pantry.

Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com

Twitter: @ricardokaul

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Diwali: North Jersey towns hosting celebrations. Here's where