Page 38 - The Indian EYE 100926

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 09, 2026 | The Indian Eye 38

IACFNJ to Host Grand Navratri

Garba Celebrations in South

Brunswick on October 9 & 10, 2026

OUR BUREAU ture, community service, inclusion and entertainment, attendees will of IACFNJ. “For 22 years, IACFNJ
and fellowship. be able to enjoy Indian food from has worked to bring families and
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ
Navratri, one of the most widely Jhopri Restaurant of Plainsboro generations together through Indian
he Indo-American Cultural celebrated Indian festivals, is tradi- as well as shopping for traditional culture while embracing the incredi-
Foundation of Central Jersey tionally associated with devotion to clothing, jewelry and other festive ble diversity of New Jersey. Navratri
T(IACFNJ) will host its 22nd Goddess Durga and symbolizes the items. The evenings will also include provides a wonderful opportunity to
annual Grand Navratri Garba Cel- triumph of good over evil. IACFNJ’s Best Dress and Best Dance compe- share our heritage with younger gen-
ebration on Friday and Saturday, celebration will feature traditional titions, sponsored by Royal Basmati erations and invite the entire com-
October 9 and 10, at South Bruns- Garba, Dandiya-Raas and Sanedo, Rice and Daawat Rice–LT Foods, munity to celebrate with us.”
wick Township High School. The recreating the festive atmosphere of with prizes presented on both nights. In addition to its annual Navratri
two-night celebration will run from Navratri celebrations in India. Each Local elected officials, dignitar- celebration, IACFNJ organizes a va-
8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and is expect- evening will begin with a traditional ies, community leaders and repre- riety of cultural and community pro-
ed to bring thousands of families and Aarti and prayer to Amba Maa, fol- sentatives of area organizations are grams throughout the year, includ-
community members from Central lowed by Prasad and the start of the expected to attend the celebration ing Independence Day celebrations,
Jersey and surrounding communities dance celebration. One of the special and support IACFNJ’s continuing ef- Diwali Dinner, Summer Picnic and
together for two evenings of music, features of the event is the partici- forts to preserve and promote Indian other cultural events. The organiza-
dance, food, friendship and Indian pation of three generations dancing culture and heritage in New Jersey. tion also gives back to the communi-
cultural traditions. together, highlighting how cultural The event is designed to welcome not ty through scholarships, community
For more than two decades, traditions continue to connect grand- only the Indian-American commu- service initiatives and support for
IACFNJ has been a leading cultur- parents, parents and children. nity but also friends, neighbors and local police and fire departments,
al organization in Central Jersey, The celebration is expected to families from all backgrounds who senior citizens and other communi-
promoting Indian heritage and tra- attract attendees from South Bruns- want to experience the color, music ty organizations. Its volunteers work
ditions while bringing people of dif- wick, Monroe, North Brunswick, East and traditions of Navratri. throughout the year to preserve In-
ferent generations and backgrounds Brunswick, Princeton, East and West “This is more than just a festi- dian music, dance, arts, languages
together. The organization conducts Windsor, Robbinsville, Somerset, val—it is a celebration of our cultural and traditions while strengthening
its programs without a political or Franklin Park and other surrounding roots, traditions and community spir- connections with the broader New
religious agenda and focuses on cul- communities. In addition to dancing it,” said Dr. Tushar Patel, President Jersey community.

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