One of India's biggest and most important celebrations, Diwali, symbolizes the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The five-day holiday, observed worldwide by more than 800 million people, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, takes place this year from October 18 through October 22.
In celebration of the Festival of Lights, the Edison Public Library is hosting several age-appropriate programs across its three locations.
Children ages 3 to 11 can decorate diya (tealight) holders and cupcakes at the Sparkle & Sweets program taking place at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 14, at the North Edison Temporary Location.
Teens can unleash their creativity using a variety of materials to make vibrant Diwali Wall Hangings at 4:00pm on Friday, October 4, at the North Edison Temporary Branch and on Monday, October 13, at 3:30pm at the Main Library. Additionally, over at the Clara Barton Branch, the hands-on Spice It Up: Make Your Own Chaat program taking place at 4:00pm on Monday, October 6, offers patrons ages 12 to 18 the opportunity to mix and match ingredients and dive into the delicious world of Indian street food.
For adult patrons, the Library is hosting several craft programs as well. Registrants at the Saturday, October 4, craft workshop taking place at 11:00am at the North Edison Temporary Branch will have the opportunity to decorate diya (tealight) holders using intricate Indian rangoli patterns, vibrant colors, beads, and embellishments. And, at the Diwali-themed wall hangings workshops, taking place at the Clara Barton Branch on Saturday, October 4, at 1:30pm and the Main Library on Monday, October 13, at noon, adult patrons can stop by to create vibrant pieces.
Edison Public Library patrons are also invited to take part in Diwali craft programs where creativity knows no age limit. Illuminate your imagination as you design and decorate crafts to discover the joy & traditions of Diwali through art at the Diwali Delights: Illuminate Your Creativity program taking place at the North Edison Temporary Branch on Monday, October 6, at 6:30pm and at the Clara Barton Branch on Friday, October 10, at 3:45pm.
