Holmdel: Culture and Community Celebrated at Diwali Party at Bell Works

Left to Right, Members of the Executive Board of the Holmdel Indian Association: Neelesh Gupta, Deepak Kumar, Mittal Shah, Deepika Gupta, Shilpi Khare Agrawal, Rahul Diddi.

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HOLMDEL, NJ – An evening filled with music, dance, delicious food, and family-friendly activities brought the Holmdel community together for an unforgettable celebration of cultural heritage, at the Holmdel Indian Organization's Annual Diwali Event, held on October 12th. The festive event with nearly 400 guests, was held in the grand ballroom at Bell Works.

Guests were greeted by a warm welcoming committee including many teen volunteers who made sure every guest felt special.

The event, which began at 6 p.m.  included Diwali celebrates the Indian Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.

“Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide,” Holmdel Indian Association President Mittal Shah said. “It typically spans five days and is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. This year it falls on Nov 1st.”

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Attendees indulged in a feast of delicious Indian foods, showcasing the vibrant flavors of traditional cuisine, with a generous buffet. The event was highlighted by mesmerizing cultural performances that reflected the richness of th Indian heritage, followed by guided Garba and Dandia dancing, where participants danced joyfully in unison.

The celebration continued with an open dance floor, inviting everyone to share in the lively spirit of the night, and they sure did! The dance floor remained busy through the rest of the evening.

Families and children enjoyed various games and activities, including multiple photo booths, complimentary henna art, and crafts stations, and much more. The festive event encouraged attendees to wear their most colorful and traditional attire, lighting up the night with great vibes.

Holmdel Indian Association co-founder and board member, Deepika Gupta commented, “Diwali is the Festival of Lights, and it is heartwarming to see the community coming together to celebrate it. We had over 350 folks of all generations, from little kids to grandparents, and dignitaries such as Senator Vin Gopal, Congressman Andy Kim, Mayor Rocco Impreveduto, the Holmdel Board of Education members and members of the Holmdel Township Committee."

The event would not have been possible without the generous support of Silver and Bronze Sponsors, whose contributions helped make the celebration an unforgettable experience for the community.

Silver Level Sponsors:

•    Tots to Teens & In Bee-Tween – For over 30 years, these specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics have served the Holmdel community, offering a raffle giveaway during the event.
•    Mauka Indian Restaurant – Known for their elevated take on traditional Indian dishes, Mauka’s cuisine was a favorite among attendees.
•    Crawford Hill – A special thank you to Rakesh Antala and Ripa Thakar for their continued support.

Bronze Level Sponsors:

•    Allied Digestive Health – With 60+ locations, they specialize in gastroenterology and colon cancer screening, providing essential healthcare services.
•    Bayshore Ophthalmology – A team of board-certified ophthalmologists and specialists offering comprehensive eye care.
•    Homes by Chai – Chaitali Amin, a trusted Realtor and interior designer, known for the motto, “Trust the eye of Chai.”
•    Milin Rao – A financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, helping families plan their financial futures.
•    Palmer Beauty Salon – Shazia Qureshi, a skilled cosmetologist with over 15 years of experience, making her clients feel their best.
•    Lasya LLC – Experts in event décor, transforming gatherings into personalized, stunning experiences.

Terence Wall, President of the Holmdel Board of Education, praised the event’s success “This celebration captured the spirit of our community—joyful, inclusive, and vibrant. I’m incredibly grateful to the Holmdel Indian Association, tonight's sponsors and organizers for creating such a memorable evening for everyone.”

The special event was a testament to the importance of community connections that foster unity and shared experiences, reinforcing Holmdel’s commitment to celebrating diversity and community spirit. The Holmdel Indian Association is a non-profit organization that aims to bring people with a common Asian Indian heritage together, and create a positive impact in the community.

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