Navratri/Garba Festival @ Jersey City w/Veg*n Dinner

Join us in the vibrant and enchanting world of Navratri celebrations in the heart of Jersey City, New Jersey! In 2026, India Square in Jersey City is set to come alive with the joyous rhythms of Navratri, one of India's most spirited and colorful festivals. This annual extravaganza promises to be a captivating fusion of traditional Indian culture and modern excitement, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the triumph of good over evil through dance, music, and devotion. Every year in Jersey City, along Newark Avenue, there is a huge Navratri / Garba Festival that draws more than 10,000 people. It is an inexpensive and excellent event that is easily accessible to New Yorkers via Path Train. Usually a festival toll gate is set up around 8:00pm, and if we eat dinner early we will likely be inside of it. We will see what happens, but be prepared to pay $5 if charged by the venue. "Newark Avenue, in the township of Jersey City, New Jersey sets a unique example during Navratri, where more than fifteen thousand men, women and children play Garba-Raas on the street, all throughout the night, every night for 4-6 nights - a rare spectacle to be observed." Website address: http://www.indiasquare.org 2024 Navratri videos: https://youtu.be/vLxQ1wr0OEE?si=ygt4DCeeFNOuN1Wm Directions and WHERE TO MEET US: Take the PATH train to Journal Square in Jersey City. From Manhattan you can get on the JOURNAL SQUARE-bound train (NOT the Hoboken train) at 33rd Street & 6th Avenue (in the 34th Street subway station), or at other Manhattan PATH train stops. When you exit the Journal Square PATH Train station, you will be directly on John F Kennedy Blvd. Walk north along John F Kennedy Blvd three blocks to Newark Ave. That is where the Garba/Navratri Festival is across Newark Avenue. You will see a big White Castle Restaurant -- on the corner of Newark Ave and John F Kennedy Blvd (it is on John F Kennedy Blvd). Do NOT go inside the White Castle. Our group will be meeting between 7:00pm and 7:15pm IN FRONT OF the White Castle at 2995 John F Kennedy Blvd. We will be holding a "VEG MEETUP" sign OR Dressed in traditional attire. Don't be late! After meeting, we will all walk a few feet to the Garba/Navratri Festival on Newark Avenue. See you there, in front of the White Castle, between 7:00pm and 7:15pm. Don't go inside the White Castle, instead meet us right in front of it. Don't be late! Arrive early if you are unsure of your timing. Dinner: There are many Indian restaurants up and down Newark Avenue, serving veg*n options. We will be grabbing food as a group prior to the Garba/Raas event, and feel free to grab something to eat at anytime, just for yourself. There are many, many vegetarian and vegan options in the many restaurants, and numerous restaurants are all-vegetarian (though not all-vegan, so check your specific item before ordering).