Chandler dance studio well-represented at Diwali event

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Kriti Agarwal, owner of Kriti Dance in Chandler, helped organize an Oct. 18 Diwali event at an elementary school in a district with Chandler schools.

The Kyrene del Norte Elementary School event included dance demonstrations by both children and adults and a clothing sale. A food truck served traditional dishes.

Agarwal said it's one of the most prominent Hindu holiday seasons. She said Diwali symbolizes one of the more common spiritual commemorations: the victory of good over evil.

Diwali or ‘“Dipawali” means “Festival of Lights.” It’s India’s biggest annual festival and it’s a five- or six-day Hindu festival that involves prayer, feasting, fireworks, community gatherings and forgiveness, she said, celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and colorful lights, sharing special meals, exchanging gifts, and enjoying fireworks.

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods spoke briefly at the event.

Jason W. Brooks can be reached at jbrooks@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as those meet our  Civility Guidelines.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.