Our Bureau
Middlesex, NJ
The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) hosted its Grand Navratri Garba celebration on September 20 and 27, 2025, at Monroe Township High School in Middlesex County, drawing a vibrant crowd from the local communities.
Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, marks nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Devotees believe Goddess Durga destroys negative tendencies, Goddess Lakshmi inspires divine qualities, and Goddess Saraswati bestows true knowledge. The festival culminates on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The two-day celebration brought together community members from Monroe, South and North Brunswick, Franklin Park, Somerset, Princeton, Hightstown, Princeton Junction, East Brunswick, Robbinsville, and East and West Windsor. Participants of all ages filled the dance floor with traditional Garba, Dandiya-Raas, and Sanedo, showcasing energetic dance styles, colorful costumes, and joyful community spirit. A highlight of the event was seeing three generations dancing together, reflecting the rich cultural heritage passed down within families.
Each evening’s festivities began with traditional Garba, Aarti, and prayers to Goddess Amba Maa, followed by Prasad for all attendees. The second round of Garba and Raas, culminating in a lively Sanedo by Mahesh Mehta and their live band, became the highlight of the celebration and was thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd. The beautifully decorated center stage, featuring Amba Maa’s statue in a traditional temple setting, added a divine touch and recreated the festive atmosphere reminiscent of celebrations in India. The event also saw the participation of local business owners, community leaders, and public officials, who came to show their support for IACFNJ’s mission of preserving Indian culture and heritage in New Jersey.
The celebration was made possible by the generous support of local businesses and grand sponsor by Royal Basmati Rice – LT Foods and Daawat Basmati Rice, who also sponsored two prizes for the Best Dress and Best Dance. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Kaushik Vyas & Shruti Shah from LT Foods presented the prizes to the winners.
The success of the event was a testament to the dedication of the IACFNJ Executive Committee, Trustees, volunteers, and community members, who worked tirelessly to make the festival a grand success once again. For more information about IACFNJ’s future events, membership, sponsorship, or support opportunities, please visit IACFNJ.org or contact Dr. Tushar Patel.
