A Diwali celebration at Millburn High School on Nov. 8 headlines a slate of cultural events that Millburn's Cultural Diversity Committee finalized at its Friday, Sept. 25, meeting.
The fall 2026 lineup also includes nightly Hanukkah menorah lightings at the intersection of Old Short Hills Road and Millburn Avenue, a Thanksgiving food drive and a Global Art and Crafts Exhibition planned for sometime after Halloween.
The Diwali event, organized by the Millburn Desi organization, lands on the Hindu festival of lights. The Hanukkah observance runs Dec. 4–12 at the intersection adjacent to the clock tower, with lamp lightings each evening along with stories and traditional foods, according to CDC meeting minutes from Aug. 13.
For Thanksgiving on Nov. 26, the committee is planning a food drive in partnership with AMA Church, modeled on the Juneteenth peanut butter challenge the CDC organized earlier in 2026.
The fall Global Art and Crafts Exhibition will build on a summer showcase held June 20 at the Bauer Center, which drew roughly 125 to 150 attendees and featured more than 10 exhibitors representing cultures across Eurasia, Africa and the Americas. The fall edition aims to include high school student participation and possibly musical performances, according to the August minutes.
No specific date or venue has been confirmed for the exhibition.
CDC President Jane Shan, who was appointed to lead the committee when it was created by Ordinance 2738-26 on April 7, has driven the programming push. At that April meeting, Shan said she was "honored to be appointed as Chair of the CDC" and would "take the responsibility seriously." She noted her years of service on the committee's predecessor, the Advisory Committee on Culture, Engagement, Diversity and Arts.
Township Committeeman Jamie Serruto, who serves as the Township Committee's liaison to the CDC, has framed the cultural programming as part of a broader effort. At the committee's June 26 meeting, Serruto highlighted three showcase events for 2026: Juneteenth, Millburn 250 and the Global Art and Craft festival.
The Sept. 25 agenda also included a recap of a Sept. 11 ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks. According to the Aug. 13 planning minutes, the ceremony was scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. and was to include survivor stories and information on the World Trade Center Victim Compensation Fund.
Official minutes from the Sept. 25 meeting have not yet been posted.
Upcoming CDC cultural events:
- October: Halloween activities (details not yet set)
- Nov. 8: Diwali celebration, Millburn High School
- Nov. 26: Thanksgiving food drive with AMA Church
- Dec. 4–12: Hanukkah menorah lightings, Old Short Hills Road and Millburn Avenue
- After Halloween (date not yet set): Global Art and Crafts Exhibition – Fall Edition
