Celebrate Diwali: A Classical Indian Dance Performance

Join us for a special classical Indian dance performance by Nartana School of Kuchipudi Dance in honor of Diwali! Kuchipudi is a centuries-old dance form that originates from southern India, and it is one of the 8 classical dance forms of India. It is characterized by a lively tempo, exhilarating footwork, and rounded movements portraying control with abandon and strength with delicacy. Nartana School of Kuchipudi Dance, located in Beaverton, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Kuchipudi dance through education, performance, and community outreach programs. Anuradha Ganesh is the founder and artistic director of Nartana.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major South Asian festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. Diwali is associated with themes of light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil, and knowledge overcoming ignorance. Traditions vary among communities, but celebrations commonly include lighting diyas (small oil lamps) and candles, decorating homes, creating colorful rangoli designs for entrances, offering prayers and performing religious ceremonies, fireworks displays, wearing new or festive clothing, and sharing sweets and special foods with family and friends. Diwali occurs annually in autumn, with the primary day of Diwali occurring on the day with the darkest night of the lunar month, the day of the new moon. This year, the holiday starts on Friday, November 6 and spans five days, with the main day of Diwali on Sunday, November 8.

This program is sponsored by LO for LOve. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact Allison Arnold at 503-534-5665 or [email protected].