TAMPA/PINELLAS PARK

Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay is hosting a Diwali dinner on Saturday, Oct. 26, at India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road. Rang Rasiya, a musical group from Mumbai, will perform. The event, which begins from 5 p.m., is free to GSTB members. For information, call Arvind Patel at (813) 784-7701 or Keval Brahmbhatt at (813) 494-2700.

Sanatan Mandir in Tampa will hold Deepawali Laxmi Puja from 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. Annakut puja will be the next day from 6 to 8 p.m. The mandir is at 311 E. Palm Ave. For information, call (813) 221-4482 or visit www.sanatanmandirtampa.org

Hindu Temple of Florida in Tampa will hold its annual Diwali dinner and Devotee Appreciation Day at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road, Tampa. A grand musical concert will be presented by Karthik and Kalpana. Donations are welcome. For information, call (813) 962-6890 or visit www.htfl.org

Ambaji Mandir at 10991 58th St., in Pinellas Park, will hold Dhanteras Mahalaxmi Pujan at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Diwali celebration will be at 5:30 the next day. New Year Annakut will be at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. A mahaprasad will be served all days. For more information, call the mandir at (727) 388-6685 or visit www.ambajimandir.com

Laxmi Narayan Mandir, 4615 George Road, Tampa, will hold Dhanteras Mahalaxmi Pujan at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Diwali celebration will be at 5:30 the next day. New Year Annakut will be at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. A mahaprasad will be served all days. For information, call (813) 444-9786.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir will celebrate Chopda Pujan at 4 p.m. with fireworks at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The next day will be Annakut Darshan from noon to 7 p.m. with aarti every hour. New Year’s Aarti will be at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 28. Kids Diwali celebrations will be Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. BAPS is at 9556 E. Fowler Ave. in Thonotosassa. For details, call (813) 986-5473.

Shree Raam Mandir, 7411 E. Comanche Ave., in Tampa, will hold its annual Diwali from 7 p.m. on Oct. 12. The program includes songs, music, and dance. For information, call Nick at (813) 334-0443.

Rajasthani Association of Tampa Bay will hold its Diwali celebration from 6 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Hindu Temple of Florida hall, 5509 Lynn Road. For participation and other details, call Rashmi Jakhotia at (813) 962-4172.

Maayboli Melawa Tampa Bay (MMTB), a not-for-profit organization for promoting Marathi culture, will celebrate Diwali on Nov. 2. The time and venue have yet to be determined. MMTB will present Marathi play, “Punhaa Sahi Re Sahi” starring Bharat Jadhav. Visit www.mmtbusa.org for more details or call (765) 337-5899.

SOUTH FLORIDA

FORT LAUDERDALE: The Indian Regional and Cultural Center will hold its Diwali festivities from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The program will include Bollywood, folk dances, Kids Corner and college/high school level dance competitions. Other attractions are food, fashion, jewelry, arts and crafts, and henna. Tickets are $10 (pre-sale online), and $12 (at the gate). For information, call Sanjay Gupta, CPA, at (954) 461-4003, Dr. Durgesh Thaker at (954) 554-8739, or visit www.irccflorida.com

WEST PALM BEACH: And the Palm Beach India Association will hold a Diwali Night from 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Hilton Palm Beach Resort, 150 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. South Asian cappella group Penn Masala will perform. Member tickets are $25 and non-members $40; kids under 5 are free. For tickets, call Tushar Bulsara at (405) 413-0255 or email [email protected]

LAUDERHILL: Also, the annual Divali Nagar will be held on Oct. 26. For time, venue and other details, visit www.divalinagar.us

BOYNTON BEACH/MIAMI: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 541 S.E. 18th Ave., Boynton Beach will hold Diwali and Chopda Pujan from 6:30 on Oct. 27. New Year’s Aarti will be from 7:30 a.m. the next day followed by a Grand Annakut Darshan from noon to 7 p.m. For information, call (561) 740 2898.

ORLANDO/CASSELBERRY

Hindu Society of Central Florida (1994 Lake Drive) in Casselberry will celebrate Diwali from 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, with rangoli and Diwali greeting card competitions, cultural entertainment, Diwali Pooja/aarti, fireworks and mahaprasad. For information, call temple President Srinivas Seela at (407) 276-5407 or visit www.orlandohindutemple.org

Gujarati Society of Central Florida will celebrate the Festival of Lights from 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Hyatt Regency, 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. Festivities include variety of foods, open bar, concert-style live band and fireworks. Cost: members, $85, non-members, $100. For tickets/reservations, call (407) 468-0716 or visit www.gujaratisocietycfl.com

Orlando Marathi Mandal will be celebrating Diwali with cultural programs on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Hindu Society of Central Florida community hall, 1994 Lake Drive, Casselberry. For details, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.orlandomarathi.com

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 1325 W. Oakridge Road, Orlando, will have Kids Diwali celebration Oct. 19. Diwali and Chopda Pujan will be on Oct. 27. New Year aarti will be Oct. 28. For information, call (407) 857-0091.

Maa Durga Sri Sai Baba Temple will celebrate Dhan Trayodashi (Dhan Teras) on Oct. 25 and Diwali on Oct. 27. Annakoot will be on Oct. 31. The temple is at 11414 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. For information, call (407) 574-8044.

BARTOW/WINTER HAVEN/LAKELAND

Bhartiya Samaj of Central Florida will celebrate Diwali at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Venue is yet to be decided. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call Subhash S. Patel at (863) 648-0294 or visit www.bscfl.com

Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple (ISSO), 2793 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland, will hold Diwali Annakut celebration on Oct. 27. New Year will be celebrated the next day. Lunch and dinner will be served. For information, call (863) 687-4776 or visit www.issolakeland.org

SARASOTA/BRADENTON

The Gujarati Association of Manasota will hold its Diwali cultural program/dinner on Oct. 26 at Bayshore High School, 5401 34th St. W., Bradenton. Social hour will be from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by cultural program and dinner. It is free for association members; $25 per person for non-members. For information, call Vikram Rao at (941) 524-6545 or visit www.gujaratiassociationofmanasota.com

OCALA/BELLEVIEW

India Association of Ocala will celebrate Diwali at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2. For details, email [email protected] or visit www.indiaocala.org

INVERNESS

Shirdi Sai Florida Center, 4707 S. Pleasant Grove Road, Inverness, will hold Annakut prasad mahotsav from 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. For timings and other details, call (352) 860-2181 or visit www.shirdiusa.com

FORT MYERS

India Association of Fort Myers will celebrate Diwali Night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Fort Myers Event Center, 1900 Park Meadows Drive. Tickets for current members are $25 and non-members are $35. For information, call IAFM President Suresh B. at (937) 270-9596 or visit www.iafortmyers.org to purchase tickets.

NAPLES

India Association of Naples will celebrate Diwali from 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Parish Hall, St. Agnes Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road. Tickets are $20 and $30 per adult. For information, visit www.ianaples.com

MELBOURNE (SPACE COAST)

The Indian Association of the Space Coast will hold Diwali dinner (paid members only) from 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5655 Stadium Parkway. For more information, call (321) 271-7072 or visit www.iascbrevard.com

Manav Mandir will hold Diwali celebrations (Laxmi Puja, fireworks) at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Annakut Utsav the next day. The temple is at 7400 Waelti Drive, Melbourne. For information, (321) 426-0668, email [email protected] or visit www.mmbrevard.org

JACKSONVILLE

Indian Cultural Society of Jacksonville will hold its Diwali party on Nov. 2 at Morocco Shine Center Auditorium, 3800 St. Johns Bluff Road S. Social hour begins at 4 p.m. followed by performances at 4:30 p.m. There will be food, dance and music. For tickets and more information, email [email protected] or visit www.jaxics.org

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir will celebrate Diwali and Chopda Pujan on Sunday, Oct. 27. The next day will be Annakut Darshan. Kids Diwali will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 9. BAPS is at 7500 Merrill Road. For details, call (904) 744-5352.

TALLAHASSEE

Hindu Temple of Tallahassee will hold Diwali Mela and Ravan Dahan from 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Tallahassee Automobile Museum, 6800 Mahan Drive. There will be food stalls, kids corner and fireworks. Tickets (tokens) are $20 per family. For information, call (850) 629-9399 or email [email protected]

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‘BEYOND BOLLYWOOD: SOUTH ASIAN FILM FEST’ CELEBRATES ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY OCT. 12-14 IN ORLANDO

“Beyond Bollywood: 24th Annual South Asian Film Festival,” which will take place Oct. 12-14, showcases diverse images of South Asian (India/Pakistan) culture and heritage through acclaimed independent films from across the globe. The program is part of Enzian Theater’s cultural festival circuit and is co-presented with the Asian Cultural Association and sponsored by Orlando Weekly.

Below is a synopsis of the movies to be shown during the three-day festival.

“THE LAST COLOR” – India, 2019, 90 min, directed by Vikas Khanna, Not Rated, Hindi with English subtitles (Florida premiere)

Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

In his debut feature, writer/director Vikas Khanna focuses on a time in India when Indian culture exiled its widows to an ashram and forbade them from participating in society. This unjust horror serves as backdrop to a tale of friendship between the widow Noor (Neena Gupta) and a young orphan girl named Chhoti.

“AMERICAN HASI” – India/USA, 2019, 75 min, directed by Laura Asherman, Not Rated, English and Hindi with English subtitles (Florida premiere)

Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1:45 p.m.

Tushar Singh, a part-time Indian American comedian in the U.S., sees an opportunity to fast track his career in India or else accept that comedy may just be a hobby. With his mom in tow, he sets out on a five-week comedy tour and interacts with foreign audiences for the first time. A blend of verity road trip and intimate character study, this entertaining doc is equal parts comedy, awkward moments, and self-discovery.

CHHOTA CINEMA: NEW INDIAN SHORTS 2019

Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m.

 

 

 

Always striving to showcase the best in cutting-edge new Indian cinema, the South Asian Film Festival presents five outstanding films from across the globe. The program includes “A Sari for Pallavi,” U.S. premiere of “Rooting for Roona,” “Difficult People,” “The Field” and “Lady Bikers of Kolkata". Audience members can vote for their favorite to receive our Audience Award.

“THE SWEET REQUIEM” – India/USA, 2018, 92 min, directed by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, in Tibetan with English subtitles (Florida premiere)

Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2:15 p.m.

Dolkar, a 26-year-old exile Tibetan, lives in Delhi. 18 years ago, she escaped from Tibet with her father, making a perilous trek across the Himalayas that ended in tragedy. But when she unexpectedly encounters the guide who abandoned them on their journey, suppressed memories of her escape are reignited and she is propelled on an obsessive search for retribution and closure.

THE WEDDING GUEST – UK, 2018, 94 min, directed by Michael Winterbottom, Rated R, In English

Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Jay (“Slumdog Millionaire’s” Dev Patel) travels from Britain to Pakistan to attend a wedding —armed with duct tape, a shotgun, and a plan to kidnap the bride-to-be. But his plot quickly spirals out of control, sending Jay and his hostage on the run across the Indian border, as attractions simmer, loyalties shift and explosive secrets are revealed in this propulsive thriller.

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NAVRATRI ACTIVITIES CONTINUE IN FLORIDA

TAMPA/PINELLAS PARK

The Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay will celebrate Navratri from 8 p.m. on Oct. 4-5 at Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 N. The event is free to GSTB members. There is a nominal parking fee. Sharad Purnima will be on Oct. 12 but venue is yet to be decided. For information, call GSTB President Arvind Patel at (813) 699-9680.

Telangana Association of Florida, Tampa Bay, will hold Bathukamma (annual flower festival and Dussehra celebrations) from 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 at Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. Entry is $5 per adult; kids are free. For information, call Chandu Talla at (813) 476-9508.

Sanatan Mandir at 311 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, will hold Navratri puja daily at 6:30 p.m. from till Oct. 5. For details, call the temple at (813) 221-4482, email [email protected] or visit www.sanatanmandirtampa.org

Ambaji Mandir at 10991 58th St., in Pinellas Park, will celebrate Navratri with daily garba till Oct. 8 after aarti. Navratri Asthami is from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 6. For more information, call the Mandir at (727) 388-6685 or visit www.ambajimandir.org

Sri Laxmi Narayan Mandir will hold Navratri garba daily till Oct. 8. Navratri Asthami is from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 6. Sri Laxmi Narayan Mandir is at 4615 George Road, Tampa. For information, call the temple at (813) 444-9786.

SOIKOT (Bengali Association of Greater Tampa Bay) will hold Durga Puja from Oct. 4-6 at India Cultural Center, 5511 Lynn Road, Tampa. On Oct. 6, renowned singer Kavita Krishnamurti will perform at 5 p.m. at ICC. Tickets are $40, $100 and available at (727) 643-3691. For details, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.soikot.org

SOUTH FLORIDA

PEMBROKE PINES: The Indian Regional & Cultural Center (IRCC) will celebrate Navratri from 8 p.m. Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 at Silver Trail Middle School, 18300 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. For information, call Dr. Durgesh Thaker at (954) 554-8739 or email [email protected]

WEST PALM BEACH: Palm Beach India Association will hold garba on Oct. 4-5 at Forest Hill Community High School, 6901 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. A free kids’ garba will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 6. For more information, e-mail [email protected]

SUNRISE: The Bengali Association of South Florida is organizing daylong Sharod Utsav on Oct. 5-6 at Westpine Middle School, 9393 N.W. 50th St. For details, email [email protected] or visit www.basfl.org

ORLANDO/CASSELBERRY/LONGWOOD

The Gujarati Society of Central Florida will hold Navratri Garba from 7 p.m. on Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 at Lyman High School, 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood. It is free for members, $35 for non-members and $15 for students with ID. For information, call (407) 924-7015 or visit www.gujaratisocietycfl.com

Hindu Society of Central Florida (HSCF) temple will hold live music, raas and garba by Rawal Brothers daily (8 p.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays, 8 pm. to midnight weekend) till Oct. 7 in the community hall, 1994 Lake Drive, Casselberry. Single day pass is $15 per person and $120 for family for nine nights. For more information, call Mahendra Kapadia at (407) 595-9224, Dr. Srinivas Seela at (407) 276-5407 or visit www.hindutempleorlando.org

BARTOW/LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN

Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple (ISSO), 2793 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland, will hold raas garba from 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12; dinner will be at 7. Entry is free. Music will be provided by DJs Khush and Pram. For information, call (863) 529-1146 or visit www.issolakeland.org

The Bhartiya Samaj of Central Florida will celebrate Navratri at 8 p.m. Oct. 4-5, Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 18-19 at Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow. Tickets are $25 per person daily. For more information, call Subhash S. Patel at (863) 648-0294, Vinoobhai Patel at (863) 293-0942 or visit www.bscfl.com

SARASOTA/BRADENTON

The Gujarati Association of Manasota will hold Navratri from 8.30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Oct. 4-5 at Sarasota Middle School, 4826 Ashton Road. For information, email [email protected]

OCALA/BELLEVIEW

The India Association Cultural & Educational Center, 2030 N.E. 36th Ave., Ocala, will hold Navratri from 8 p.m. on Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-12. For details, e-mail [email protected]

FORT MYERS

Gujarati Samaj of Southwest Florida will hold Navratri on Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Paul Lawrence Dunbar Middle School, 4750 Winkler Ave., Fort Myers. For information, email [email protected]

JACKSONVILLE

The Gujarati Samaj of North East Florida will celebrate Raas-Garba from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 at Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex, 3605 Phillips Highway. For more information, visit www.gsnef.org

MELBOURNE (SPACE COAST)

The Indian Association of the Space Coast will hold Navratri celebrations from 8 p.m. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 12. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.iascbrevard.com

Also, Manav Mandir temple, 7400 Waelti Drive, Melbourne, will celebrate Dussehra from 6 p.m. on Oct. 8. For information, call (321) 426-0688 or visit www.mmbrevard.org

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Please check with local organizers.

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