Taichung: A dance competition and bazaar will be held on Oct. 24 at Taichung City Hall Square to celebrate the annual Indian Diwali Festival, the India Taipei Association (ITA) said Friday. The event aims to highlight the city’s thriving Indian cuisine scene and its significant population of Indian students.
According to Focus Taiwan, the ITA is bringing “the festival of lights” to Taichung on its 30th anniversary. The inaugural India Dance Competition Grand Finale will feature 30 teams competing from 5-9 p.m., with eight winners to be announced on site. A total of NT$120,000 (US$3,880) in prizes will be distributed among the winners.
The performances will showcase a range of Indian classical and folk dances, as well as fusion styles that incorporate street, contemporary, and ballet elements. This variety will highlight the breadth of Indian dance, as noted by the ITA.
The Diwali Bazaar, running from 3-9 p.m., will feature 30 booths offering Indian cuisine, traditional “henna” hand-painting, and handicrafts. There will also be interactive art workshops for attendees to participate in.
Additionally, the bazaar will include art displays and a lamp-lighting zone, symbolizing the festival’s spirit of “triumph of light over darkness,” according to the ITA.
Diwali, traditionally held between October and November, is one of India’s most significant celebrations. It brings families together to light oil lamps, exchange gifts, visit temples, and honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and wealth.
This year’s celebrations in Taichung mark the ITA’s third Diwali event in Taiwan, following previous celebrations in Taipei in 2023 and Kaohsiung in 2024.
