A multigenerational, multicultural immersive experience — that’s what Diwalifest is all about. Families, artists, and small businesses coming together to celebrate Diwali. All 1,700 of us!!!
Did you miss it? Here’s a little glimpse into our day. ✨
We start bright and early at 9:45 AM, when our Rangoli contest participants arrive, soon followed by our amazing student volunteers, vendors, and stage setup crew. I love this time of the festival — the sheer energy and excitement among the young volunteers and the hope and passion as vendors set up their booths is unmatched.
Our welcome desk volunteers have one of the most important jobs — greeting everyone as if they’re arriving at their own home and giving them a sticker (which helps us count attendees). This year, we welcomed over 1,700 people!
We had a fantastic lineup of vendors, from those who started their business at the first Diwalifest — like Zest & Leisure — to seasoned favorites such as Silver Unicorn, Gurukool, and West Side Creamery. It was wonderful to see such strong participation from community-focused booths like the League of Women Voters, Acton Library, School Committee, and DESA Youth Club. Their beautiful Diwali décor made the festival grounds sparkle even more!
And of course, food is a huge part of Diwalifest. This year, we added a special page on our website explaining Indian foods — did anyone find it helpful? Drop a comment below if you used it! The first 75 kids to arrive received a clay diya (lamp) to paint at our activity booth and later joined us for community diya lighting.
The Mehndi Magic team — a group of five talented AB girls — showcased true teamwork, applying beautiful henna designs throughout the day.
We hosted two volunteer raffles this year to thank our incredible helpers. Huge thanks to Zest & Leisure, Two Friends Chocolate, House of Saaj, Atiya Green, and Vaishali’s Art for donating raffle and Rangoli contest prizes.
Revolution Yoga instructor Megan got kids moving with an energizing yoga session — a fun way to connect body and breath. Our cultural program then took center stage, beginning with talented singers from Lexington, followed by a stunning saxophone performance. From Kathak to Odissi and joyful kids’ performances, it was a true treat to be transported into the world of dance and music while mingling with friends and neighbors.
Our grand finale? The high-energy Dhol Tasha drummers from Maharashtra! This young group of men and women, carrying massive drums, played in perfect rhythm — what a spectacular way to close the festival!
When the music faded, our volunteers rolled up their sleeves once again for breakdown and cleanup — a massive task they made look effortless. We’re proud to leave the library grounds spotless year after year.
No recap can ever fully capture the true essence of Diwalifest — you simply have to experience it for yourself.
Did you miss it this year? Mark your calendars now for October 4th, 2026 (Rain date: October 11th).
✨ Thank you for coming — and for making Diwalifest a true community celebration!
