26th Annual Grand Dushahra Festival Draws Over 15,000 People in Edison, NJ

by SAH Staff Reporter October 8, 2024

By SAH Staff Reporter October 8, 2024 0 comments 2 minutes read

PHOTO: IAF

Over 15,000 people attended the 26th Annual Grand Dushahra Festival on October 5, 2024, organized by Indo-American Festivals, Inc. (IAF) at the picturesque Lake Papaianni Park in Edison, New Jersey.

This day-long cultural event drew families who enjoyed a lively mix of activities, performances, and cultural displays.

The festival began with a series of performances curated by Pratibha Nichakawade, featuring 22 captivating song and dance acts, as well as engaging skits. A standout moment was the grand presentation of ‘Ramleela’ by Varsha Naik’s group, featuring a remarkable cast of 85 actors, ranging in age from under 2 to over 70 years.

For the second consecutive year, the festival featured a 15-foot-tall Hanuman Murti, the largest of its kind at any Dushahra celebration in the U.S., along with a special ‘Maha Aarti.’

The highlight of the evening was the ‘Ravan Dahan,’ where a 25-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, crafted by Krishna Singhal, was ceremonially burned to symbolize Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan. The towering effigy captivated the audience before being set ablaze in a grand display.

Festivalgoers also enjoyed a variety of Indian and ethnic dishes from vendors like Vatan, offering a mix of traditional street food and fusion cuisine, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Distinguished guests, including Edison Councilman Ajay Patil and Grammy Award-winning artist Falguni Shah, who made a special appearance, attended the event.

Chair of IAF, Chanchal Gupta, Co-Chair of IAF, Raj Mittal, President of IAF, Shiva Arya, and Immediate Past President of IAF, Dinesh Mittal warmly welcomed the attendees. Their leadership, along with the dedicated efforts of IAF’s volunteers, ensured the celebration was both smooth and joyful.

The event was supported by a grant from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders/Office of Culture and Heritage, and the New Jersey State Council for the Arts/Department of State.