By J. MARIE FIEGER
The Midtown Global Market partnered with Amol Dixit and his team at Hot Indian to host a multi-layered, family-friendly event in celebration of the Hindu holiday, Diwali, Saturday, October 12th.
Diwali, also known as the Hindu Festival of Lights, is the largest and most widely celebrated Hindu festival. Originating in India, this holiday is an expression of happiness and the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The Diwali ”“ Celebration of Lights event included a free kids”™ paper lantern creation craft, and a very popular selfie station. Traditional flowers and tea lights added warmth throughout the central Market area, along with modern and traditional music. The large crowd enjoyed heart-touching performances by two Twin Cities area dance troupes: Mudra, a non-profit, community kids dance group that celebrates cultural diversity through dance, performing arts, and related Indian cultural traditions, and the well-known dance troupe, Ragamala, who shared a series of traditional Indian dances.
The Story of Diwali was read aloud, followed by a fun game of Diwali Bingo. The highlight of the evening was when more than 300 kids and adults activated colored light sticks in the darkened central area. A henna tattoo artist created one-of-a-kind henna art on dozens of attendees, and free kid-friendly temporary bindi and henna tattoo station completed the fun.
Other MGM Events
The team at the Midtown Global Market produces dozens of free celebrations annually. On Saturday, October 26, the Market host the annual fall Chili Cook-Off, where a requested $5 donation to Doing Good Together will provide guests with tastes of more than eight original chilis created by a variety of the Market”™s chefs.
Every Thursday night is Neighborhood Night, and the Heart of the Beast is on-stage for several upcoming shows and craft sessions. Check out opportunities to learn to salsa dance, perform yoga, attend wellness seminars, and enjoy live, local music,
Wee Wednesday celebrations over the lunch hours provide educational and fun activities for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. Santa will be at the Market this holiday season, and Rituals will help create a meaningful celebration of Kwanzaa on Saturday, December 28. Don”™t miss the Do It Green! Gift Fair on Saturday, November 23 and No Coast Craft-A-Rama on December 6 and 7, 2019.
See the full schedule of activities held at the
Midtown Global Market
midtownglobalmarket.org
