Hindu festival and dance coming to Plainsboro

   The Plainsboro Public Library will hold its seventh annual Diwali celebration with a dance competition on Sunday, Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m., in the Community Room of the Administration Building.
   Deepavali ("a row of lights"), known colloquially as Diwali, is the most popular of all Hindu festivals. Celebrated in late autumn, it heralds the Hindu calendar’s New Year. Throughout India, families gather, sweet cakes and candies abound, and greeting cards are exchanged. School is out, businesses close and people rejoice with decorative lights and fire crackers.
   Like the joy and anticipation that accompanies Christmas in America, Diwali retains much of the excitement and fervor of generations past, when tradition holds that the gods Ram, Seta and Laxman triumphed over evil people and brought happiness to the common man.
   Registrations for performances will be accepted in two categories: Solo and Group Dance. Judges will award prizes in age groups 5-10, and 11 and up. The music and style can be anything — tap, ballet, Bhangra and Bharat Natyam, to the tune and beat of rap, pop, folk or classical music.
   Organizers encourage everyone to follow the Diwali tradition of dressing with pizzazz by wearing fancy lenghas, salwar-suits, saris and jewelry.
   In addition, a box of sweets for sharing will add to the bounty of the evening. Also, some lucky patrons will win generous door prizes.
   The program is open to the public. There will be no charge for the event. However, voluntary contributions will be accepted and given to the Red Cross Liberty Fund for World Trade Center victims and families.
   The Community Room is located across from the library in the Municipal Complex located at 641 Plainsboro Road.
   For more information or directions, call (609) 275-2897.