By: Author Lorelei Lawson
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I was born in India and I moved to the United States when I was three. The two main Indian festivals I always looked forward to as a kid were Holi and Diwali. This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12, 2023 and there are many ways to celebrate Diwali in New Jersey with kids and teens. Whether you celebrate at home, in your community, or across New Jersey you’ll find there are many Diwali activities you can do.
What is Diwali?
Ever wonder why people have Christmas lights out in October or November? They may be celebrating Diwali.
Diwali is one of the biggest holidays in India and is also known as the Festival of Lights. One memory I have of when I was young in India is being amazed at the sparkler I was holding in my hand.
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Lighting diyas is a major part of the festivities since they represent the dispensing of darkness. Many people light diyas in their windows or have lights on their homes to welcome the goddess Lakshmi to their homes. People hope she will bless them with wealth (not just the monetary kind) since she is the goddess of wealth and good fortune.
People also worship Ganesh (a god of wisdom) in hopes that he will remove obstacles from their path.
When is Diwali?
This year Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Last year it was in October. Depending on the family, some people may celebrate for more time such as 2 days or 5 days.
Where is Diwali celebrated?
People all over the world celebrate Diwali, There are over ninety different countries that honor the holiday. Celebrations may vary depending on what region people are from or based on their religion.
Many people in New Jersey are celebrating it as well with friends, family, and neighbors. There are currently 23 school districts across the state that have off for Diwali.
What are the origins of Diwali?
For those who love epics, the Ramayana is an Indian classic that I have reread many times. During the Ramayana, the god Rama was exiled for 14 years along with his wife Sita. During this time she is captured by the demon king Ravana.
Rama is eventually able to defeat him and return with her to Ayodhya at the end of the 14 years where everyone welcomes them in the village by lighting diyas. These are small oil lamps made of clay or mud. Many Indians celebrate Diwali in order to celebrate Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
How can my family celebrate Diwali?
There are many things people use to celebrate Diwali such as lighting a diya, rangoli, sparklers, preparing feasts, and more. Listed in this article are events and ways to celebrate Diwali in New Jersey with your family and friends. There are also other ideas for celebrating inside and outside of your home such as crafts, books and more.
Eating sweets is another part of celebrating Diwali in New Jersey. I personally think this makes sense since there are many stories of young Ganesh having a sweet tooth. Last year the kids had a great time giving sweets to neighbors, doing sparklers, and setting off small fireworks with them.
Great Ways to Celebrate Diwali in New Jersey with Kids and Teens
Diwali Events in New Jersey
These NJ Diwali events are listed alphabetically by the name of the town where they will be held.
India Day Parade in Atlantic City, NJ 2023
- Date: August 23, 2023
- Time: 3 pm – 4 pm
- Location: Showboat AC
- Taste the food and experience the sites and sounds of India! The parade route will start at 3:00 PM and proceed down the Boardwalk.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Blairstown, NJ
Date: October 29, 2022Time: 1 pm – 4 pmLocation: Siddhachalam in BlairstownAll youths are invited to come and celebrate Diwali with food, dance, and amazing stalls!To learn more visit our event listing.- This event does not appear to be happening in 2023
Diwali Festival in Cherry Hill, NJ
Date: October 22, 2022Time: 2 pm to 4 pmLocation: Cherry Hill LibraryThere will be dancing, music, lights, and crafts.To learn more visit our event listing.- Cherry Hill Library will not be holding a Diwali Festival this year as they place emphasis on different cultures every year.
Festival of Lights – Diwali in East Brunswick, NJ
Date: October 28th, 2023Time: 12 pm to 6 pmLocation: Exchange Place, Montgomery Street,There will be live music, cultural programs, vendors, children’s activities, and more. Admission is free.- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Children’s Program in East Rutherford NJ 2023
- Date: November 11, 2023
- Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
- Location: East Rutherford Memorial Library
- Join a children’s Diwali event where children will make a Rangoli craft and hear a story.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Fair Lawn NJ 2023
- Date: November 8, 2023
- Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
- Location: Fair Lawn Library
- Families of all ages are invited to celebrate the festival of lights! Registration is NOT required.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Story Time and Craft in Hackensack NJ 2023
- Date: November 11, 2023
- Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
- Location: Johnson Public Library in Hackensack
- Help us celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights with crafts and fun!Registration is not required.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Lawrence Township, NJ 2023
- Date: October 22, 2023
- Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Location: Ewing Branch Library
- Come and listen to stories about Diwali paint clay lamps, make no bake sweets and make Diwali cards. Registration is required for this event.
- To learn more visit our Diwali Celebration in Ewing Township event listing.
Decorate Rangoli cookies for Diwali in East Windsor, NJ
Date: October 17, 2022Time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pmLocation: Hickory Corner LibraryRegistration is required for this event but it is not open until October 10th. It is for ages 10 years old and older.To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Edison, NJ 2023
- Date: November 4, 2023
- Time: 2 pm – 8 pm
- Location: Lake Pappaianni in Edison
- The rain date for this event is November 5th, 2023.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Mela in Edison at Edison YMCA 2023
- Date: November 3, 2023
- Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Location: 1775 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08837
- There will be a Bollywood dance class, kids activities, vendors, and raffles.
- To learn more visit this event listing.
Diwali Masti with Bhagyashree in Edison, NJ 2023
- Date: November 4, 2023
- Time: Doors open at 7 pm
- Location: 2863 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
- There will be a photo booth, Bollywood DJ, kids activities, cash bar, and more. Entry is $50 – $120 per person.
- To learn more visit this event listing.
Festival of Lights – Diwali in Jersey City, NJ 2023
- Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
- Time: noon to 6 pm
- Location: Montgomery Street between Hudson St and Greene St, Jersey City, NJ
- There will be vendors, live performances, cultural and folk dances, raffles, and more. Admission is free.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Dilwalo ki Diwali Family Friendly Cruise Party in Jersey City, NJ
Date: October 22, 2022Time: 7 pm to 10 pmLocation: Liberty Landing MarinaThere will be a DJ, performers, four-course Indian meal, photo booth and more. There will be a separate kids’ deck with an attendant, kids’ meal and entertainment. Tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for kids.To learn more visit this event listing.- There is no information for this event yet for 2023.
Diwali Fest in Maplewood, NJ 2023
- Date: October 28, 2023
- Time: 3 pm to 6 pm
- Location: Maplewood Memorial Park (across from the train station)
- Diwali Fest NJ 2023 promises family fun with food, dance, music & children’s activities. Admission is free.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Montclair, NJ
Date: October 22, 2022Time: 12 pm to 1 pmLocation: Montclair Public LibraryEnjoy cultural music, cultural dances, and fun interactive story time about the legend of Diwali.To learn more visit our event listing.- They are not currently planning any Diwali events for 2023.
Diwali Crafts Program in Moorestown, NJ 2023
- Date: November 8, 2023
- Time: 4:15 pm to 5 pm
- Location: Moorestown Library
- In celebration of Diwali they will be making colorful sand art mandalas.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in Ramsey, NJ 2023
- Date: November 14, 2023
- Time: 4 pm to 5 pm
- Location: Ramsey Public Library
- Celebrate Diwali with a special craft time for children in grades K-5.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Party in Robbinsville, NJ 2023
- Date: November 9, 2023
- Time: 2:30 pm to 3 pm
- Location: Robbinsville Library
- Children, ages 5-10, are invited to come and celebrate Diwali!
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Party in Robbinsville, NJ
Date: October 25, 2022Time: 3 pm to 3:45 pmLocation: Robbinsville LibraryChildren over 5 and adults are all invited to this party. Registration is required as well but does not open until October 18th.To learn more visit our event listing.- We are awaiting updates for a 2023 event.
Diwali Mela in Secaucus, NJ 2023
- Date: October 8, 2023
- Time: 12 – 5 pm
- Location: Buchmuller Park
- There will be cultural performances, Indian cuisine, door prizes, kids activities an more. There is free admission and performances.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Dandiya Dhamaka in Secaucus, NJ 2023
- Date: October 28, 2023
- Time: 7 pm to 10 pm
- Location: Secaucus Recreation Center
- There will be the largest dance floor on the East Coast with a live band, food trucks, and more! Tickets are $20 per person.
- To learn more visit this event listing.
Diwali Rangoli Sand Art for Teens in Toms River, NJ 2023
- Date: November 13, 2023
- Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm
- Location: Toms River Branch Ocean County Library
- In a library setting, enjoy working on a collaborative art project while learning about Diwali.
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Dance Party in Verona, NJ 2023
- Date: November 4, 2023
- Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Location: Verona Public Library
- Enjoy a traditional music, dancing, decorations and a dazzling presentation to celebrate Diwali!
- To learn more visit our event listing.
Diwali Celebration in West Orange, NJ 2023
- Date: October 29, 2023
- Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
- Location: West Orange High School
- There will be performances, music, activities, crafts, Indian foods, henna, and more. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Please bring canned goods.
- To learn more visit our Diwali Festival in West Orange event listing.
Ways to Celebrate Diwali at Home
While there are often events and shopping involved around the date of Diwali, the day of Diwali itself is usually celebrated at home. These are some ideas of things you can do in your house.
Make a lantern craft.
We have made these lanterns at Diwali library events in the past. The kids love carrying them around the house afterwards and the supplies to make them are easy to find around the house. See the details at Diwali Lantern Craft.
Make your own diya or decorate one.
Diyas are inexpensive to pick up from an Indian store and you can later decorate them at home. A great diya craft we enjoyed at a past library event was making diyas out of old cd’s.
Eating sweets
Some of the popular desserts that I enjoy most from this holiday are rasmalai, kheer and gajar ka halwa. Mithai are also given to others in your life to show they are appreciated. Some of my favorite mithai are motichoor ladoo, chum chum and milk cake.
Eat some Indian food
The popular Indian foods for Diwali that I love include aloo tikki, samosa and paneer tikka. Be sure to try food from a new place near you. We enjoy picking up food from the Asian Halal Meat and Kebab House in East Windsor or eating at the Palace of Asia in Lawrenceville.
More Indian Restaurants to celebrate Diwali in New Jersey
- One of our favorite places to eat is the Palace of Asia in Lawrenceville, Maple Shade, and Kingston. Tasty things to try: Aloo Papdi Chaat, Chicken Tikka, Paneer Kulcha, Garlic Naan, Chicken Makhani, Paneer Masala, Kheer.
- Another favorite restaurant of ours is Ming for its Indo-Chinese Food. Mind is located in Edison, New Jersey. Tasty things to try: Drums of Heaven, Vegetable Manchurian, American Chopsuey with Chicken, Singapore Noodles, Date Pancakes.
- Also in Edison is Moghul. Tasty things to try: Buffet, Moghul Bread Basket, Mulligatawny Soup, Murgh Tikka Makhani, Malai Kofta, Murgh Tikka, Kulfi Falooda, Rasmalai.
- Asian Halal Meat & Kebab House in East Windsor. This location only offers takeout. Tasty things to try: Chole Batura, Shahi Paneer, Chicken Makhani, Chicken Seekh Kebab, Chicken Malai Kebab, Chicken Tikka Biryani.
Monsoon in Mount Laurel. We haven’t eaten there but other friends highly recommend it.Monsoon closed permanently April 23, 2022.- Cross Culture in Princeton. Tasty things to try: Paneer Tikka, Chicken Cashmere.
Pick up some dandiya sticks.
In some parts of India such as Gujarat, Dandiya Raas is done on Diwali night. This is a style of dancing where people have two colorful sticks that they hit together. It is lots of fun! There are lots of videos online for you to practice at home: 3 Easy Dandiya Dance Steps.
Try making some henna designs.
Some people also make henna designs on their palms for Diwali. Mehndi cones are easy to pick up at your local Indian grocer. Be aware that the designs might remain on your hands for a few weeks even but they fade over time. It is also difficult to apply to small children’s hands since they may find it difficult to sit still long enough for it to dry. Remember to do this at least a day or two before the holiday itself.
Try making some Rangoli designs.
In some regions of India people make Rangoli designs in front of their house to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. An easy way to do this with kids is to have them do some decorations with chalk. Some people incorporate flowers or colored powder into their designs.
Wear some traditional Indian clothing.
Some people even purchase new outfits prior to Diwali. There are many options such as sarees, lehengas, kurtas, dhotis, and more.
Read a book about Diwali with your children.
My favorite children’s books are ones where I learn something as well.
Let’s Celebrate Diwali
In Let’s Celebrate Diwali the book mentions different ways that people celebrate Diwali who come from different religions or regions of India. It is relatable to kids since the setting is within circle time at a school. I personally had not heard of many stories mentioned in this book so it is a great way to motivate readers to investigate further.
You can purchase this book on Amazon using our affiliate link: Let’s Celebrate Diwali.
Peppa’s Diwali
Have any Peppa Pig fans? The book called Peppa’s Diwali is a board book that is a good introduction to Diwali for kids. It tells them a few basics such as showing them clothes people wear and how diyas are lit. The only disappointing part was that the food they ate in the story that was pictured was unlike anything people usually eat at Diwali.
You can purchase this book on Amazon using our affiliate link: Peppa Pig Peppa’s Diwali.
Ways to Celebrate Diwali in Your Community
Give sweets to neighbors.
Neighbors love getting a box of tasty mithai. Pick up some sweets before the day from your favorite local Indian store or make a trip to Edison to go to Mithaas.
Find some friends or neighbors to do some sparklers and poppers with.
These are great to pick up during sales after the Fourth of July so you are ready for Diwali. It is always more fun to do these with others.
Go somewhere where you can feel like you are in India.
Going to Oak Tree Road in Edison is a great way to feel like you are in India. Customers are able to haggle and visit a variety of shops and restaurants. When I was younger we lived in Edison and I loved visiting there to drink a mango lassi or eat bhel puri.
Jersey City has a Little India as well.
Robbinsville has a beautiful BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir that welcomes visitors. It is made entirely of hand-carved marble. For visitor information visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Have we inspired you to celebrate Diwali in New Jersey? Come back and let us know your favorite part.
Looking to celebrate more Indian holidays with your family? Read our guide to Great Ways to Celebrate Holi in New Jersey with Kids and Teens.