A Joyful Afternoon with Live Concert, Indian Food, and Dancing
Indian Vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia and Her Band to Perform,
Blending Traditional Indian Music with West African Blues & Jazz
Cooperstown Concerts is thrilled to present an all-inclusive Diwali Celebration on Sunday, October 26 from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Fenimore Farm & Country Village (5775 NY-80, Cooperstown). This welcoming, family-friendly experience is open to all and will feature an uplifting afternoon of live music, a flavorful Indian food buffet, and vibrant community dancing – all in the spirit of Diwali, the traditional Hindu Festival of Lights celebrated in India. Tickets include the entire experience and are available online now at cooperstownconcerts.org.
Headlining the celebration’s music is internationally acclaimed vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia, whose mesmerizing voice and genre-blending compositions bridge Indian song traditions with influences from West African blues and jazz. Kiran and her band will open the celebration with a live concert at 3:00 PM, setting the tone for an afternoon of joyful cultural exchange. Following the concert, guests will enjoy an Indian buffet dinner and dancing, celebrating the warmth, light, and community that define Diwali.
“Diwali is more than a festival – it’s a feeling of renewal, of light overcoming darkness, of gathering together and sharing joy,” said Randy Smith, Cooperstown Concerts President. “We’re excited to invite people from across our region to join us for this joyful Festival of Lights as we bring the spirit of Diwali to the heart of Cooperstown through music, dance, food, and community connection.”
About Diwali
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated cultural holidays in the world, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. While it originated in India, Diwali is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent – including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and throughout Southeast Asia – as well as in global diasporic communities. The festival is a time for gathering, gift-giving, lighting lamps (diyas), and enjoying food, music, and dance with loved ones.
Cooperstown Concerts’ Diwali Celebration
Tickets for the event are all-inclusive, with a live concert to kick off the celebration, followed by an Indian dinner buffet, a brief talk about the history and traditions of Diwali, and then dancing to the sounds of Bollywood and modern Indian dance music.
Kiran Ahluwaila and her band will kick off the celebration. Kiran is a two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner whose open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators, bringing together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African blues and jazz. Her band includes electric guitar, tabla, drums, accordion, and organ.
Following the concert, everyone is invited to enjoy a dinner buffet of Indian cuisine including vegetarian and meat curries, lentils, pakoras, rice, naan, raita, and chutneys. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. While patrons enjoy their food, the afternoon continues with a brief educational overview of the traditions and customs of the Diwali “Festival of Lights” holiday, presented by Dr. Namita Sugandhi, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Hartwick College.
Then…the dance floor will open to all for moving and grooving to Bollywood and modern Indian dance music, served up by DJ Nataraja.
Buy Tickets
Gather your friends and family and join in this special afternoon of cultural celebration. Ticket price includes the live concert, Indian food buffet, and dancing. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. Buy tickets at cooperstownconcerts.org/. Tickets are: Adult, $45; Students (with College ID), $20; Youth (6 to 18), $20; Under age 6, Free.
This concert is sponsored by the Glimmerglass Film Days, and Wayne Bank, our premier season sponsor. This event is paid for in part by a Community Events Grant through Otsego County’s Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) Committee. 2025-2026 Season Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by the Scriven Foundation.
About Cooperstown Concerts
Founded in 1970, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. The 2025-2026 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home. Cooperstown Concerts is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
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Kiran Ahluwaila in concert; Photo by Ryan Buchanan.