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Surati for Performing Arts hosted its first formal Diwali Gala on November 7, 2025, at the historic Barrow Mansion in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a grand celebration of culture and community.
Although Surati has organized numerous Diwali events over the years, this was its inaugural Gala, designed to bring together art, tradition, and collective spirit. According to a statement from Surati issued on November 14, the evening united diverse artists, dignitaries, community members, and supporters for a celebration of Indian culture, music, dance, and heritage.
Distinguished guests included Piyush Singh, Consul for Political, Press, Information and Culture at the Consulate General of India in New York; Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey; Brian Murray from Hudson County Cultural Affairs; Hudson County Commissioner Yraida Lipski; and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey.
Sponsors for the Diwali Gala included the Albrich Academy of Excellence (AAE), represented by owner Dorota Mani, who served as the principal silent auction contributor and community sponsor, along with Hudson County Cultural and Heritage Affairs and LeFrak & Newport Associates Development Company.
“Surati and Rimli Roy have been doing excellent work for the last two decades, bringing cultures together and bridging gaps between people so that communities can better understand, collaborate, and grow,” said Singh. “Rimli is putting so much together with her team, and their dedication truly reflects the spirit of Diwali.”
Surati Founder and Executive Artistic Director Rimli Roy said the Diwali Gala was “more than just an evening of unique performances and partnerships — it was a celebration of light in our communities through culture, food, interactive experiences, showcasing multicultural genres and diverse artists in Jersey City, rooted in the artistry and rich heritage of India.”
She added that having her father, acclaimed composer and performing artist Sumit Roy, perform alongside company artists in the presence of her mother, Arati Roy, “was deeply personal and a reminder of Surati’s roots and mission — connecting generations, cultures, and hearts through art.”
The Gala welcomed attendees from across New Jersey and New York, helping raise awareness and support for Surati’s arts-in-education and community outreach programs.
The evening opened with a VIP cocktail reception, vendor exhibits, and a silent auction featuring community-donated items and cultural experiences. Guests enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks before the formal program began, which highlighted Surati’s 23 years of artistic contributions through a commemorative video presentation.
The performances, curated by Roy, showcased Indian classical, folk, and contemporary art forms including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Rajasthani Ghoomar, Bollywood, belly dance, and modern fusion. Surati dancers Hitanshi Patel, Harsha Harikumar, Vidhya Dinesh, Alisha Desai, Avishi Jain, and Kijana Lewis presented a dynamic range of pieces spanning Indian classical, Rajasthani folk, belly dance, Bollywood fusion, and contemporary choreography.
Musical highlights included a tabla and cajón fusion by Abhinav Acharya and Kaleb Hassell, followed by an Indian Raaga Jazz fusion performed by guest artist Sumit Roy on piano with Abhinav on tablas.
The second act featured excerpts from Ramaavan – A Musical, Surati’s NEA award-winning original production inspired by the Ramayana. Created and reimagined by Roy, the production toured India in 2024 through a special invitation from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Performers Jonathan Power, Andrew Leonforte, Paulina Yeung, Madison Halla, Harsha Harikumar, Hitanshi Patel, Kijana Lewis, and Vidhya Dinesh earned a standing ovation for their presentation. The production includes music composed by Sumit Roy and Rajesh Roy, with lyrics written by Arati Roy.
The evening concluded with a live performance by Jayanta Banerjee, followed by a high-energy medley of Calypso, retro, and Indian folk songs by guest artist Sumit Roy, which brought the audience to its feet. A lively DJ set wrapped up the night, drawing guests, artists, and dignitaries onto the dance floor.
