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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 23, 2026 | The Indian Eye 20

Over 10,000 Celebrate the 28th Grand

Dushahra Festival in Edison with Spectacular

Ramleela, Ravan Dahan and Fireworks

Thousands of families gather at Lake Papaianni Park for a magnificent celebration

of Indian heritage, cultural unity and the timeless triumph of good over evil.

OUR BUREAU The dramatic Ravan Dahan was
followed by a spectacular fireworks
Edison, NJ
display that illuminated the night sky
he skies over Edison came over Edison with brilliant colors, daz-
alive with dazzling fireworks, zling patterns and thunderous bursts.
Tthunderous cheers and an at- Families and children enthusias-
mosphere of celebration as more tically watched the grand finale, cre-
than 10,000 spectators gathered for ating an unforgettable atmosphere of
the 28th Grand Dushahra Festival on joy and celebration.
Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Lake Hundreds of children could be
Papaianni Park. seen carrying colorful illuminated
Organized by Indo-American toys and enjoying the festive market-
Festivals, Inc. (IAF), the annual cel- place with their families, adding to the
ebration brought together families, lively spirit of the traditional Dushah-
children, community leaders and vis- ra Mela.
itors from across New Jersey, New Over 250 Performers Showcase
York, Pennsylvania and the surround- India’s Cultural Diversity
ing Tri-State region for a spectacular The festival also featured nearly
showcase of Indian culture, traditions three hours of nonstop cultural en-
and community spirit. tertainment, with more than 250 per-
Held from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM, formers representing various dance
the festival transformed Lake Papa- academies and cultural organizations.
ianni Park into a vibrant Indian cul- The entire cultural program was
tural fairground, featuring a magnifi- directed and coordinated by Pratibha
cent two-hour Ramleela, three hours Nichakawade, whose dedication, cre-
of colorful cultural performances, a ative vision and meticulous planning
bustling marketplace, traditional In- brought together an impressive array
dian cuisine, free community health of performances celebrating India’s
services and the much-anticipated rich artistic traditions.
burning of a towering 20-foot effigy acting, graceful choreography, color- the entire Navrang Dance Academy Under her direction, participat-
of Ravana, followed by a breathtaking ful costumes, elaborate stage settings team received tremendous appreci- ing dance schools presented a vibrant
fireworks display. and captivating music. ation from the audience and festival blend of classical, folk, Bollywood and
The festival’s enduring theme, The artists had dedicated months organizers. contemporary dance performances,
“Victory of Good Over Evil,” reso- of rehearsals and preparation A Grand Finale: 20-Foot Ravana showcasing the remarkable diversity
nated throughout the celebration, re- throughout the year to bring this ex- Dahan and Spectacular Fireworks of Indian culture.
minding audiences of the timeless val- traordinary production to life. The excitement reached its peak Dressed in colorful traditional
ues of truth, righteousness, courage As the epic unfolded on stage, with the ceremonial burning of a mag- costumes, performers of different
and compassion. thousands of spectators, including nificent 20-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, ages delighted the audience with
A Spectacular Ramleela Capti- young children, remained deeply en- symbolizing the destruction of evil energetic choreography, expressive
vates Thousands grossed in the performance. The re- and the ultimate victory of righteous- movements and beautifully coordi-
One of the most memorable markable silence and attention of the ness. nated group presentations.
highlights of the evening was a spec- audience reflected the emotional and The towering effigy was a remark- Pratibha Nichakawade’s leader-
tacular two-hour theatrical presenta- cultural significance of the presenta- able example of traditional crafts- ship and the enthusiastic participa-
tion of the Ramleela, depicting the tion. manship, beautifully decorated with tion of the dance schools played an
timeless epic of the Ramayana and For many children born and vibrant fabrics, an elaborate golden important role in making the cultural
the triumph of Lord Rama over the raised in the United States, the Ram- crown, ten imposing heads, and a program one of the festival’s major
demon king Ravana. leela offered a unique opportunity to large sword and shield. attractions.
More than 75 talented artists, un- experience the Ramayana not merely As flames engulfed the giant fig- These performances also provid-
der the direction and choreography of as a story, but as a living cultural tra- ure, thousands of spectators watched ed an invaluable platform for young
Varsha Naik of Navrang Dance Acad- dition conveying enduring moral and in excitement, cheering and celebrat- artists to develop confidence, creativ-
emy, delivered a mesmerizing per- spiritual values. ing the symbolic triumph of good over ity and a deeper connection with their
formance that combined expressive The outstanding dedication of evil. Continued on next page... >>

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