With bright lights and vibrant attire, the 2024 Diwali dance program, held on Nov. 16, featured a variety of performances, including dances to theatrical skits.
Annually, the Friends of India Quad Cities nonprofit puts together a Diwali program for members of the community to enjoy. The night consists of food, music and exciting performances. The program itself featured multiple performances of dancing, singing and skits.
For many locals, the program is a fun connection back to Diwali in India. “I go to the Diwali program every year to watch performances with my friends! It’s fun and enjoyable to spend a night indulging in my culture, to listen to my favorite Indian music and to watch the Indian dances,” expressed senior Prithikha Paranidharan.
The performances ranged from all different parts of India, allowing any and all members of the Indian community to come together and enjoy a night of Diwali celebrations.
Students from PV participated in the show in various singing and dancing performances.
“I love dancing so performing at the Diwali program is always super fun for me and allows me to remain connected with my culture,” stated sophomore Nisha Tilala.
The 2024 Diwali program created an environment for people from all reaches of the community to enjoy. While the program itself featured a primarily Indian audience, it educated the broader community on Indian social culture, bringing in the mayor of Moline, Sangeetha Rayapati, as a chief guest.
In addition, the program allows the Indian community of the Quad Cities to reunite with their heritage, despite being thousands of miles away. The program featured the Indian national anthem, sung after the American one, bringing the audience to a stand as the program concluded.
The program is a blend of Indian and American cultures for the diverse audience present. “We are surrounded by American culture, religion and holidays, so it is really nice to mix in our own. Diwali time is very special, and it not only connects me with my culture, but also with the broader community,” voiced Tilala.
The Quad Cities’ Diwali program shows the creation of a haven for the Indian community to reconnect with their culture and educate wider audiences.
