Live performances of traditional dances are a highlight of Bridgewater Commons’ Diwali celebration. Photo credit: Bridgewater Commons
(BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- In response to customer demand and to further showcase the joy and beauty of the Festival of Light, Bridgewater Commons has expanded Diwali @ The Commons into a two-day celebration of South Asian culture with live music and dance performances, demonstrations and more on October 18-19, 2025.
Bridgewater Commons, in partnership with Renascent Media, will celebrate the South Asian festival with a spectacular program in Center Court filled with live music, dance and vibrant yellow, red, and orange marigold flower décor curated by AWD Weddings. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions symbolizing the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance." Guests are encouraged to dress traditionally.
"Diwali is one of the most cherished religious festivals in South Asia, and we're thrilled to honor our South Asian community by celebrating with them and entertaining all of our guests," said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director at Bridgewater Commons. "Last year's event was so successful that everyone wanted more, and working with Renascent Media, we're delighted to expand our Diwali celebration into a second day with even more performances and displays."
Bridgewater Commons began its South Asian cultural celebrations in 2022 with Bollywood dance spectaculars in Center Court that featured over 40 performers, drawing hundreds of guests. Last year, the 1.2 million-square-foot center expanded the celebration, hosting spectacular live shows in Center Court filled with music, dance, tradition, crafts, giveaways, and more.
"Our center is not just a business core of the community, it's a cultural core, too. That's why we also are home to other cultural celebrations, including Lunar New Year and Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festivals, in honor of the unique diversity in Somerset County," Kovacic continued.
Kicking off the festival at 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday, October 18, the Center Court program will feature:
* Ganesh Vandana, an opening devotional dance to invoke blessings and officially launch the festival.
* An instrumental music performance with flute by Madhukar, tabla by Prashant, and keyboard by Venugopal.
* Folk dances of India performed by Thangaat Garba Dance Group, Navrang Dance Academy, and Dancing Stars, showcasing dances from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and more.
* Sari Walk featuring influencers, socialites, and models presenting saris/outfits draped in traditional styles from across India.
* A music performance by Dr. Avish Jain, Medical Journalist at ABC News and musical sensation who founded his own brand "Musical Avish" representing various styles of Hindi American Fusion music.
* Mini Ramleela performed by Navrang Dance Academy presenting highlights from the Ramayana.
* A Bollywood Flash Mob finale featuring a high-energy dance performance transitioning into a participatory flash mob with audience involvement.
The live performances continue Sunday, October 19 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm with the following:
* Fusion music performed by instrumental band by Raaga Rhythms.
* Dance performances by adults and young students of Nitya Rhythm. With 25+ years of experience in Indian dance, this Flemington, N.J.,-based academy teaches Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak to all ages.
* Cancer Awareness Walk presented by My Dream TV USA featuring Miss Bharat pageant winners and community doctors, all dressed in pink.
* Special dance performance by young twin social media sensations @RidhiSidhiTwins.
On both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, guests can experience free mehndi stations, traditional product sampling, vendor booths including Star Tours, New York Life, Horizon BCBS, LT Foods, Shan Foods, Northlandz and more in Center Court and Lower Level.
Renascent Media, a pioneer in ethnic marketing and production, is thrilled to spearhead its partnership with Bridgewater Commons to celebrate Diwali.
"Diwali reminds us of the power of light to conquer darkness and of togetherness to overcome division," said Tanvi Prenita Chandra, founder of Renascent Media. "At Renascent Media, we believe in inspiring communities to build a better future. This event is a celebration of harmony, awareness, and shared humanity."
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. The 37-year-old center has seen the opening of multiple new retail and dining experiences recently, including Alo Yoga, Miniso, Pop Mart, Fogo de Chão, Shaquille O'Neil's Big Chicken, Club Champion, FACE FOUNDRIÉ, Millburn Deli, and Pure Green.
Bridgewater Commons is one of Northern New Jersey's premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.2 million-square-foot shopping center features a vibrant mix of retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. More than 150 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Apple, lululemon athletica, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Fogo de Chão, Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory, to popular local small shops like Athletifreak, Millburn Deli and DIG. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and was acquired by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the premier owners of retail real estate in the country.
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.
Since 2007, Renascent Media has been bridging the gap between global brands and the South Asian community through its integrated marketing solutions. With a profound understanding of South Asian culture, the agency provides clients with strategic insights, market research, and impactful advertising content across both traditional and digital platforms. Our services include media planning, buying, event management, influencer marketing and content production. The company has proudly produced all seasons of "Shoprite Cooking Star" and serves clients like Wakefern Food Corp, National Retail Solutions, Raj jewels and more.
