Occurring from Thursday, October 31st to Friday, November 1st, Diwali (or the “Festival of Lights”), is a holiday observed by Hindus and other Indian and South Asian religious communities that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, people engage in feasts, gatherings, and ceremonies such as lamp-lighting ceremonies to recognize the conquering of lightness over darkness. We’ve rounded up all of the Diwali events happening locally this year, as well as some traditions and activities that take place during this holiday. Read on to learn more about Diwali events happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond for 2024.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Hoboken Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
Diwali Events
- There are no upcoming events.
- There are no upcoming events.
Read More: Pariwaar Delights Opening 2nd Location in Hoboken in Former Mikie Squared Space
House Cleansing + Decorating
In the days leading up to Diwali, celebrants often prepare by deep cleaning and decorating their houses. Legend has it that Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, only graces clean and tidy homes. Decluttering and cleaning also help manage stress and boost mood.
After cleaning, the houses are lit with Diya, or oil lamps — which can be bought at local ethnic markets, such as Apna Bazar in Jersey City. Many people decorate their floors with rangoli, intricate patterns made of candles, colored rice, or flower petals. In fact, rangoli-making can be a bonding activity that all family members, including small children, can participate in. Here is a fun guide on how to make rangoli with all-natural dyes.
The Art of Indian Dance Class
To get into the upbeat Diwali mood, join an Indian dance class at a local dance studio. Sonalee’s Dance Studio in Edison and Nritya Creations Academy of Dance in Iselin teach various genres of dances, including Bhangra and Bollywood, as well as fitness classes with Indian dance choreography. During the lead-up to Diwali, there are sessions featuring choreography to famous Bollywood tracks.
Indian Cuisine
Food is an essential part of the Diwali celebration. Little morsels of fried snacks including samosas, chaat, Pakora, and many more are nibbled throughout the day with masala chai. Rich, elaborately-prepared meals are shared daily among families, which often consist of creamy dals; aromatic curries, puffy fritters fried in ghee; and smooth, richly-spiced puddings. We’ve rounded up a list of where to get Indian cuisine in Hoboken, Jersey, City, and beyond here.
Indian Sweets
Mithai, or Indian sweets, are perhaps the most looked-forward-to part of the Diwali food tradition. The sweets come in countless variations but are all enjoyable for their warm, nutty flavors, thanks to the generous use of ghee, nuts, dried fruit, and tropical spices.
See More: The Best Indian Restaurants in Montclair + Essex County
A popular spot for Mithai in the area is Jain Foods in Linden. Try the kulfi, nutty, aromatic “Indian ice cream” for an indulgent treat. The eatery also has a dazzling selection of savory snacks.
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There’s a New Creative Studio in Jersey City: Meet The Creator’s Loft
This article is sponsored by The Creator’s Loft.
Consuming online content is easy — but creating online content is a whole different beast. That’s where The Creator’s Loft comes in. Located at 15 Wilkinson Avenue in Jersey City, this new creator studio is equipped with fully-styled sets for influencers, photographers, brands, and any other creatives to rent. With a carefully crafted vintage look, these sets are a great backdrop for your next shoot or event and save you the hassle of setting it up. Keep reading to find out more about The Creator’s Loft, a new creator studio in Jersey City.
Services
Founded by local resident Dileiny Baron — a seasoned content creator and entrepreneur — The Creators Loft is thoughtfully designed to take content creation to the next level.
Local creatives are encouraged to use the space for a variety of needs, including:
- Creative Studio Rentals: fully styled sets available for rent by the hour or through memberships for content creation, photo shoots, and brand campaigns
- Event Space: this versatile and intimate space can be rented out for small gatherings, brand launches, workshops, and celebrations
- Styled Sets: thoughtfully designed backdrops that blend vintage charm with modern elegance, eliminating the need for extra set design
The Creator’s Loft has quickly become a go-to spot for creators and brands in the Hudson County area, but it isn’t stopping there. Dileiny has plans to expand her influence even further than the limits of Jersey City.
About the Space
The Creator’s Loft is housed in a 200-year-old building, imbued with history and embellished with modern touches that make it Insta-worthy. From 16-foot ceilings to the gorgeous and south-facing windows, the natural lighting washes over the space, guaranteed to elevate any shoot or event.
Inside, there are fully-styled sets for photoshoots and other content creation. Each set is fully equipped with props and anything else you might need to capture your content. The Loft even has flexible layouts, including several lifestyle stations, a full kitchen, and a faux bathroom, perfect for a wide range of scenes and projects. Creators can use the space for an hour, a whole day, or even pursue a membership for continual use.
The Creator’s Loft is located at 15 Wilkinson Avenue in Jersey City.
You can stay up-to-date with the latest offers, studio tours, and featured projects by following @TheCreatorsLoftJC or visiting the site.
