- By Rajesh Khare

ISW Lights up Downtown Boston with a Grand Diwali Celebration of Music, Dance and Dhol Tasha

Boston, MA - The India Society of Worcester (ISW) brought the spirit of Diwali to downtown Boston with a huge celebration at Faneuil Hall Marketplace that drew hundreds of visitors and performers. The large-scale event transformed one of the city’s busiest public spaces into a lively showcase of Indian culture, music, and dance.

Organized in collaboration with Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the celebration featured a wide range of performances, including classical music, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood dance. The centerpiece of the evening was the Dhol Tasha performances - first by a group of children performing publicly for the first time, followed by a full-scale segment by adults that filled the marketplace with energy and drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

“Diwali at Faneuil Hall was a collective effort spanning across generations, from young children to grandparents,” said Ashok Kale, the event coordinator. “The weather was perfect, and the enthusiasm of the performers and volunteers made the event memorable. The blend of classical and contemporary performances reflected the richness of our culture.”

Carolyn Passey, a longtime ISW volunteer, praised the teamwork and organization behind the celebration. “The entire evening ran so smoothly,” she said. “The energy was incredible, and you could really tell how much effort went into making it happen. The crowd was fully engaged from start to finish.”

Colorful Aakash Kandil lanterns, traditional backdrops, and cultural activity booths added to the festive atmosphere, creating a setting that resonated with both Indian American families and the broader Boston community. Many attendees described the event as a reminder of home and a meaningful celebration of shared traditions.

Organizers noted that the large turnout reflected the growing interest in Indian cultural events across the region. They also emphasized ISW’s continuing efforts to create opportunities for youth engagement and cross-cultural connection.

“The success of this year’s celebration once again demonstrates the community’s enthusiasm and the impact of shared cultural experiences,” Kale said.

The Diwali celebration at Faneuil Hall marked one of ISW’s most successful downtown events to date, reinforcing its role in promoting Indian heritage and community engagement across Massachusetts.

Photos by Mukesh Tanwani, Ashish Cowlagi, Shiamin Melville, Rajesh Khare