This year, Jersey City’s cultural scene hit a high note with the debut of Surati for Performing Arts’ first-ever Diwali Gala. Held on November 7, 2025, at the historic Barrow Mansion, the event celebrated not just the Festival of Lights, but also the organization’s 23-year journey in bringing people together through music, dance, and storytelling.
With dazzling performances, high-profile guests, and an atmosphere buzzing with energy, Surati’s Diwali Gala felt like more than an event. It became a lively symbol of the community’s embrace of tradition and diversity.
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Celebrating Diwali in Jersey City
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions worldwide, especially within South Asian communities. Surati for Performing Arts, founded by Executive Artistic Director Rimli Roy, has always championed Indian culture and artistry on American stages.
The 2025 gala showed just how far the organization has come—from neighborhood performances to a major cultural celebration recognized across the region. It’s a leap that’s hard not to admire.
The Atmosphere and Experience
Guests started the evening with a VIP cocktail reception that mixed elegance with a genuine sense of warmth. Vendor displays lined the space with handmade crafts and cultural keepsakes, while a silent auction offered unique items and experiences from local supporters.
The Barrow Mansion’s historic charm gave the night an extra layer of magic. Its timeless backdrop paired perfectly with the evening’s blend of tradition and innovation.
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Performances that Captivated the Audience
The heart of the gala was a stage program curated by Rimli Roy, featuring classical, folk, and contemporary Indian dance styles. Highlights included:
- Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi—classical dance forms that tell stories with intricate gestures.
- Ghoomar—a vibrant folk dance from Rajasthan.
- Bollywood and fusion works that blended East and West in unexpected ways.
Dancers like Hitanshi Patel, Harsha Harikumar, Vidhya Dinesh, Alisha Desai, Avishi Jain, and Kijana Lewis brought both grace and energy to the stage. The event featured musical performances too, including Abhinav Acharya and Kaleb Hassell’s tabla–cajón fusion, Sumit Roy’s Indian Raaga Jazz fusion, and a medley of Calypso, retro, and Indian folk music to close things out.
A Theatrical Masterpiece
The second act gave the audience a taste of Ramaavan – A Musical, Surati’s award-winning adaptation inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana. Backed in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the production earned a standing ovation.
Community Leaders and Sponsors Speak to the Event’s Impact
The Diwali Gala drew a distinguished crowd, including Indian Consulate official Piyush Singh, Jersey City Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. Sponsors like Albrich Academy of Excellence, Hudson County Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and LeFrak & Newport Associates helped make the event possible, showing the commitment of local and regional supporters to cultural exchange.
Why Cultural Events Matter
Events like Surati’s gala strengthen community bonds and offer spaces where heritage is celebrated and shared. They give younger generations a chance to connect with their roots while inviting broader audiences to experience something new.
Tying it Back to Jersey City
Jersey City, one of the most diverse urban communities in the country, gives cultural organizations like Surati room to thrive. If you’re looking for things to do in Jersey City, performances like the Diwali Gala are a real treat—right up there with the city’s art galleries, street festivals, and food scene.
Wondering where to stay in Jersey City? The city’s growing hospitality sector makes planning a visit easy, with plenty of Jersey City hotels near cultural centers and event venues.
Planning Your Visit
Maybe you’re wandering through quirky city districts or just soaking up the vibe in waterfront parks. Glancing at the calendar before getting to Jersey City can really make a difference, especially if you want to catch big cultural events like Diwali celebrations.
Surati’s gala is shaping up to be an annual highlight. It’s a fantastic chance to mingle with the community and dive into world-class art right here in Hudson County.
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