Page 26 - The Indian EYE 112825

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 26

Surati’s First Diwali Gala 2025 Illuminates Jersey

City with Culture, Music and Community Spirit

OUR BUREAU

Jersey City, NJ
he historic Barrow Mansion
radiated colour, rhythm and
Tfestive warmth as Surati for
Performing Arts hosted its first-ever
formal Diwali Gala on November 7.
Although Surati has long been known
for its large-scale Diwali festivals,
this inaugural black-tie celebration
marked a new chapter — blending
tradition, performance and commu-
nity solidarity in an evening that cap-
tured the true essence of the Festival
of Lights. Guests from across New
Jersey and New York — including
dignitaries, artists, patrons and cultur-
al leaders — gathered to honour Sura-
ti’s 23-year legacy of artistic excellence
and multicultural engagement.
The night opened with a VIP
cocktail reception featuring live jazz
by pianist Brook Mulugeta, a curated Kijana Lewis — delivered an elec- the audience, underscoring Surati’s composer Rajesh Roy crafted the
vendor showcase, and a silent auction trifying sequence of Bharatanatyam, commitment to artistic innovation. score, while the lyrical work of writer
offering community-donated expe- Kuchipudi, Rajasthani Ghoomar, The second act featured excerpts Arati Roy added poetic depth. The
riences and cultural items. Guests Bollywood fusion, belly dance and from Ramaavan – A Musical, Surati’s family connection imbued the eve-
enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and music contemporary pieces. Their perfor- NEA award-winning original produc- ning with emotion; for Rimli Roy,
while a highlight video traced Surati’s mances demonstrated not only tech- tion, conceived and created by Rimli having her father perform and her
journey from a small performing-arts nical mastery but the versatility and Roy. After touring India in 2024 at mother present was a deeply personal
initiative to an internationally rec- multicultural ethos that have come to the invitation of the Indian Council moment. “This Gala was a celebra-
ognised institution. define Surati’s work. for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the tion of light — through culture, food,
A NIGHT OF ARTISTIC A tabla and cajón fusion by Abhi- production has become a cornerstone and performances — rooted in India’s
BRILLIANCE nav Acharya and Kaleb Hassell set the of Surati’s repertoire. The cast — Jon- heritage but shared with our Jersey
Surati’s Artistic Director and tone for a night of cross-cultural exper- athan Power, Andrew Leonforte, Pau- City community,” she said.
Founder, Rimli Roy, curated a rich imentation, followed by a spellbinding lina Yeung, Madison Halla, Harsha The finale featured singer-mu-
program that showcased the breadth Raaga-Jazz piano collaboration led Harikumar, Hitanshi Patel, Kijana sician Jayanta Banerjee, followed by
of Indian performance traditions. Su- by guest artist Sumit Roy of Kolkata, Lewis and Vidhya Dinesh — deliv- an energetic set by Sumit Roy, whose
rati’s company dancers — Hitanshi accompanied again by Abhinav on ered a powerful performance that medley of Calypso, retro hits and In-
Patel, Harsha Harikumar, Vidhya tablas. The interplay of Indian raaga earned a standing ovation. dian folk brought the audience to its
Dinesh, Alisha Desai, Avishi Jain and and Western jazz elements captivated Music director Sumit Roy and Continued on next page... >>

www.TheIndianEYE.com