As the holiday of Diwali approaches, the Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton will be showcasing the subcontinent’s multiple languages in a dance extravaganza during a November 10 community celebration at American Legion Post 440.
According to the Indian government’s Ministry of Education, the country has 22 official languages, although census statistics indicate there are hundreds more. Newton’s upcoming Diwali celebration will highlight this impressive fact during a show-stopping performance titled, “Multi Language Mash-up Dance.”
Festivities organizer Ketki Tipnis said the routine “will include dance performances [to] songs from multiple different languages from India with over 40 participants, ranging from elementary-age kids, teenagers to adults. … We are very excited for this performance [that] truly brings the community together.”
Tipnis said “I have so many fond memories” of the holiday during childhood and recalled receiving gifts when visiting family members. The IAC will include colorful decorations at Post 440 — and also in the homes of those who celebrate.
The 2023 Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton Diwali planning team included, from left: Sumana Hatwar, Rashmi Siddappa, Ketki Tipnis, Heena Bhatt, Arundhati Biswas, and Shanu Mehta. Missing from the photo is Ketki Karanam. (photo: Courtesy of IAC Newton) 
The Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton’s 2023 Diwali celebration featured dancers, from left: Radha Muthian (choreographer and performer), Rashmi Siddappa, Heena Bhatt, Sumana Hatwar, and Ketki Tipnis. The women performed a folk dance called "garba" which incorporates sticks into the performance. (photo: Courtesy of IAC Newton) 
The crowd at the 2023 Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton Diwali festival had fun dancing at the event. (photo: Courtesy of IAC Newton) 
The Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton’s 2023 Diwali celebration featured musicians, from left, Pushkar Phatak, Aalok Nadkar, and Chirag Bhatt. (photo: Courtesy of IAC Newton)
The IAC first held a Diwali event in 2019 and has been sponsoring them ever since (except during the Covid pandemic).
“Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular,” according to the Associated Press (AP). “Diwali is derived from the word ‘Deepavali,’ which means ‘a row of lights.’ Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.”
Taking place over a five-day period, in India the holiday includes fireworks, displays, feasts, and prayers and is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, according to the AP. Newton’s Diwali celebration will take place on Sunday, November 10, between 5PM and 9PM, at American Legion Post 440 (295 California Street, Nonantum) – without the fireworks.
In addition to the multigenerational, multilingual dance, there will be other dance performances featuring children, singers belting out songs from the 1960s up to current Bollywood hits, a DJ spinning Bollywood tracks, and a Bollywood/India themed bingo game, among other entertainment.
Another highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be the catered dinner by Mirchi Nation, a restaurant in Brookline and Marlborough.
“Food is such a big part of Indian culture,” said Tipnis.
There will be a variety of options — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — as well as “street food” appetizers, including chaat (savory snacks) and tacos with an Indian twist, she said.
The Newton event has continued to expand over time. Tipnis said last year there was a waiting list, and this year she anticipates 400 or more will attend.
“The numbers keep on growing,” she said.
The Indian American Community (IAC) of Newton Diwali celebration will be held on Sunday, November 10, 5PM-9PM at American Legion Post 440 (295 California Street, Nonantum). Tickets are available online for adults (ages 12 and above) are $60; children ages 5 to 12, are $35; and children under 5 are free.
