Bridgewater Commons to Celebrate the Festival of Light with Diwali @ The Commons, Saturday, October 24

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (October 7, 2026) — An expanded line-up of high-energy performances will headline Diwali @ The Commons, Bridgewater Commons’ annual celebration of the South Asian Festival of Lights, on Saturday, October 24 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Presented by Open Road Auto Group in partnership with Renascent Media, the vibrant Center Court celebration will feature live music, traditional and Bollywood dance, fashion, and an interactive audience finale, all set against festive Diwali décor curated by Atharv Events.

Making their Diwali @ The Commons debut, Kalashri School of Dance, Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy, and Om Guha will showcase traditional and Bollywood choreography, including an inventive fusion of classical dance, hip-hop, and rap. New Jersey-based fashion brand Pinkaari will also present a special runway showcase. Returning favorites include Madhukar Kshirsagar. The live performance program features:

• Ganesh Kauthuvam – An opening Bharatanatyam performance by Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam, invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings to begin the celebration.
• Bollywood Singing & Flute with Live Instruments – Madhukar Kshirsagar Group presents a live musical performance blending Bollywood vocals, flute, and instruments.
• From Old to New Bollywood – Bina Menon and Kalashri School of Dance take audiences on a journey through Bollywood across generations, blending classical influences with popular movie music and dance.
• Kids’ Bollywood Dance – A colorful, high-energy performance by the young dancers of Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy, choreographed by Mitali Roy.
• Sitar & Tabla – A live Indian classical instrumental performance by Om Guha and accompanying tabla artist.
• Semi-Classical Meets Hip-Hop – Jayshree Srikanta and Dance X Studio present a contemporary fusion of Indian semi-classical dance and hip-hop.
• Diya Dance – Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam presents a traditional Bharatanatyam performance celebrating the light and spirit of Diwali.
• Sustainable Fashion Show by Pinkaari – A special runway presentation featuring Pinkaari’s sustainable fashion, celebrating Indian textiles, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary style. Founded by designer Sonal Gadhavi, the New Jersey-based brand champions handcrafted design and supports traditional artisan communities.
• Adult Bollywood Dance – A vibrant Bollywood performance by Jyotsna Bollywood Dance Academy, choreographed by Mitali Roy.
• Bollywood Dance Mix – A lively Bollywood performance by Nritya Mayura Institute of Bharatanatyam.
• Contemporary Rap Performance – Baba KSD brings a modern musical element to the celebration with a live rap performance.
• Ramleela: Homecoming of Lord Ram – Navrang Dance Academy presents a special interpretation of Lord Ram’s homecoming, connecting the performance to the traditions and significance of Diwali.
• Grand Finale – Group Dance & Audience Participation – Led by Varsha Naik of Navrang Dance Academy, performers come together for a high-energy finale inviting the audience to join the celebration.

“Diwali has become a cherished annual tradition at Bridgewater Commons, bringing together families and friends of all backgrounds to celebrate the Festival of Lights, and this year the performances are bigger and better than ever,” said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director at Bridgewater Commons. “We are proud to continue this tradition with Renascent Media and to welcome Open Auto Group as the presenting sponsor of this joyful event.”

Guests can also enjoy complimentary mehndi, live painting and kids’ activities by Medha Art Studio, an art and craft workshop by Soulful Creations World, product sampling, and participating brands throughout Center Court.

The celebration will be brought to life with festive Diwali décor by Aisha’s Wedding Decor, creating a colorful and immersive Festival of Lights experience for guests at Bridgewater Commons.

“For more than 50 years, Open Road Auto Group has embraced our community and celebrated the rich cultural diversity of our region,” said Joseph Billotti, Vice President, Open Road Auto Group, one of the region’s largest automotive dealership groups. “Our sponsorship of Diwali @ The Commons reflects that commitment and marks the start of what we hope will be a lasting partnership with Bridgewater Commons.”

Renascent Media, a woman-owned, full-service multicultural advertising, marketing, media, and experiential agency, will once again partner with Bridgewater Commons to produce and promote the annual Diwali celebration. With nearly two decades of experience connecting brands with South Asian and multicultural audiences, Renascent Media develops culturally relevant campaigns, events and community experiences that bring brands and diverse audiences together.

“Diwali @ The Commons is about bringing people together and sharing the richness, beauty and spirit of Diwali with the wider community,” said Tanvi Prenita Chandra, Founder and President of Renascent Media. “Our partnership with Bridgewater Commons has given us a wonderful platform to share South Asian culture with a broad and diverse audience. Each year, we work to make the celebration more engaging and inclusive by bringing together traditional and contemporary performances, local talent, businesses and brands to create an experience that celebrates our heritage while connecting communities.”

Diwali, widely known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India and by communities around the world, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Guests are encouraged to join the celebration in traditional and festive attire.

Bridgewater Commons launched its South Asian cultural celebrations in 2022 with Bollywood dance spectaculars featuring more than 40 performers and drawing hundreds of guests to Center Court. The Festival of Lights celebration has since become an annual tradition.

Located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206, Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

About Bridgewater Commons

Bridgewater Commons is one of Central New Jersey’s premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.15 million-square-foot shopping center features a mix of premier retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. Over 130 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Anthropologie, Alo Yoga, Apple, Kendra Scott, lululemon athletica, Popmart, Williams-Sonoma, Seasons 52 and Fogo de Chão, alongside popular local shops like Athletifreak and Zuted Vintage. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and is owned by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the nation’s premier owners and operators of retail real estate. 

For more information on the property, please visit bridgewatercommons.com or follow on social media: Facebook @BridgewaterCommons and Instagram: shopbridgewatercommons.

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners
Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) is one of the nation’s premier retail operating groups of large open- air and enclosed shopping centers, with more than $3.0 billion in assets under management across the United States. Based in Southern California, the company’s portfolio totals 24 properties encompassing over 20 million square feet. With a highly experienced team that has a proven track record of generating value its stakeholders, PRCP is dedicated to evolving real estate for the next generation by working with the communities it serves to design master plans that transform its assets into high-performing mixed-use destinations. The vertically-integrated company provides end-to-end sourcing, assessment, underwriting, valuing, developing, marketing, design and asset management services.

To learn more visit pacificretail.com or follow on social media at: Facebook: @PacificRetailCapitalPartners and Instagram: @PacificRetail.

About Renascent Media

Founded in 2007, Renascent Media is a woman-owned, full-service advertising, marketing, media and experiential agency specializing in connecting brands with South Asian and multicultural audiences across the United States. With nearly two decades of experience and a deep understanding of multicultural consumer behavior, the agency develops integrated strategies that combine cultural insight with mainstream marketing expertise. Its capabilities include strategic marketing, media planning and buying, public relations, digital and social media, influencer marketing, content creation and production, experiential marketing, event production, sponsorships and community engagement. Renascent Media has created and produced community and brand platforms including ShopRite Cooking Star, cultural celebrations, retail activations and other multicultural initiatives, and has worked with brands and organizations including Wakefern Food Corp., National Retail Solutions, Raj Jewels and others.

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