Close to 3,000 people attended the third annual Diwalifest on October 20 at Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough. It was a lively event on a beautiful day, full of colors and music, smells and tastes. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations among Indian religions, celebrating the birth of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, and the end of harvest season. Boxborough’s Diwalifest celebrates food, culture, and youth.
Siddy’s Bakeshop from Mansfield MA made an appearance with beautiful sweet treats. Photo: Jane Saks
A variety of Indian foods were available. Photo: Jane Saks
Indian snacks were sold at many booths. Photo: Jane Saks
A number of tables were run by youth as fundraisers for organizations such as ASHA for Education and DESA, the South Asian Student Union at ABRHS. In addition, tables for the Acton and Boxborough Libraries, AB Regional School Committee, and the Acton Area League of Women Voters provided information (and lollipops).
Divya Sharma and Nesha Francis, founders of non-profit South Med Aid, sell snacks at Diwalifest. Photo: Jane Saks
The most unusual thing I tasted was a rose-flavored dessert drink called falooda. Photo: Jane Saks
Adults and kids wore a great variety of colorful outfits. Photo: Jane Saks
A band sang several songs. Photo: Jane Saks
An author reads his book on Diwali near the Silver Unicorn tent. Photo: Jane Saks
A girl decorates a customer’s hand with henna dye. After it dries, the decorative natural dye is visible for several days. Photo: Jane Saks
Hand painted decorative bottles for sale at one of the craft booths. Photo: Jane Saks
Brightly colored Indian crafts available for sale at a Diwalifest booth. Photo: Jane Saks
A woman sells Indian jewelry sets and saris. Photo: Jane Saks
Jane Saks does pro bono consulting to nonprofits with SOAR Management Consulting. She is an artist and an avid traveler.
