The library first offered this celebration in 2014, after receiving several patron suggestions at the Sharon Forks Library. Cleo Joyce, Youth Services Supervisor at the Sharon Forks Library, notes, “Forsyth County is lucky to be home to many cultures and diverse families. In south Forsyth we are home to a large and active Indian community. I had several patrons suggest we host a Diwali celebration, so with the help of some local community members, I was able to host our first Diwali event in 2014 and it was a huge success. Since then the program has continued to grow, and it is one of our most popular events at FCPL.”
Because the Sharon Forks Library is beginning their expansion and repurposing project and will have limited access to their meeting room, the library will host this annual program at the Post Road Library for the first time. Joyce adds, “The west Forsyth area is also home to a large Indian community, so bringing this program to Post Road was a natural choice.”
Patrons can expect to immerse themselves in Indian culture at this year’s celebration. There will be Indian food to sample, traditional Diwali crafts including decorating clay diyas, henna tattoos provided by local community volunteers, as well as dance and music performances that showcase some of the many aspects of Indian culture.
The library will feature four local arts groups at the program, all of which include students from Forsyth County. Darshini Natyalaya will open the event with a performance of beautifully choreographed classical Indian dance at 2:00 p.m. At 2:40 p.m., Maya Dance Class will perform three pieces with adult and youth dancers. Next at 3:20 p.m., attendees will be treated to classical Indian music presented by the young singers of Classical Harmonies. Lastly at 4:00 p.m., patrons will enjoy a performance from Atlanta Nritya Academy, who bring high energy performances featuring classical and Bollywood style dance.
This special celebration is part of the library’s One World Forsyth series, which highlights geography, cultural traditions and celebrations from around the world. One World Forsyth is sponsored by the FCPL Friends & Advocates. Library staff and patrons alike look forward to the celebration. Joyce shared, “This is my favorite event of the year to host—the energy, the performances, and the positive response from the community are fabulous. Attendees will leave with a better understanding and appreciation of Indian culture and the Forsyth Indian community.”
A full schedule of Diwali Celebration activities is available online. To learn more about other programs and events at the Forsyth County Public Library, visit www.forsythpl.org.
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