The New York City Vegetarian & Vegan Meetup

The Rooftop Guide: "The sixth floor rooftop bar at the fabulous Wythe Hotel has transformed from Lemon's to Bar Blondeau. And while the name and setting is new, the magical view of Manhattan and the East River are just the same. Especially at sunset, and watching a glowing Manhattan skyline from this Brooklyn rooftop is absolutely fantastic."

One of Conde Nast Traveler's top rooftop bars in NYC. They say: "Head six floors up from the posh Le Crocodile in the Wythe Hotel and step inside the just-as-chic, glowing Bar Blondeau..."

I Love NY: "Located on the 6th floor of Brooklyn’s acclaimed Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau serves familiar yet inspired favorites, framed by the iconic backdrop of the Manhattan Skyline. Wythe Hotel's beverage director, Jarett Karlsberg, leads a seasonal cocktail program with the aim to shine a spotlight on local and sustainable spirits, low intervention wines and zero-proof beverages."

From 6:30pm-9:00pm
Bar Blondeau @ Wythe Hotel
80 Wythe Ave, 6th Floor
Williamsburg, NY
(718) 460-8006

With all the wonderful vegetarians and vegans who attend each of our events, every event we do is liked by our members, but our "Veg Night Out!" events are the most popular of all. People enjoy the fact they can mingle (speak with lots of different people), and they love the beautiful venues that we go to. Join us for a stellar evening of lively conversation and lovely surroundings with fellow vegetarians and vegans.

For our new members: this is an incredibly friendly and welcoming group. We'll be hanging out by the main bar area, and you can get to know all our wonderful members.

This event has no cover and no minimum. But please buy a drink or two, or as many as you like. The venue requests that you dress appropriately: business, business casual or smart casual.

Join us for a fun and relaxed evening socializing with fellow vegetarians and vegans.

Train Directions: (L) to Bedford or (G) to Nassau Av.

Eddie

"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

2023 Navratri videos: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaSquare.NavaratriCelebrations/videos

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. 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 7:15pm and 7:30pm. 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).

Karthik and David

Why is Navratri celebrated ?
Navratri, rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and history, holds a significant place in India's cultural and religious heritage. The history of Navratri dates back thousands of years and is steeped in legend and tradition.

One of the most famous stories associated with Navratri is the battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, a shape-shifting demon, terrorized the heavens and the earth. Unable to bear his tyranny, the gods created the goddess Durga, an embodiment of their collective divine power, to defeat Mahishasura. This epic battle lasted for nine days and nights, symbolizing the nine nights of Navratri. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, Durga emerged victorious, marking the triumph of good over evil. Navratri also celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, during this period. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one of these goddesses, with special prayers and rituals performed to invoke their blessings.

Over the centuries, Navratri has evolved from a primarily religious observance into a grand cultural festival. It is a time when people come together to dance the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas, wearing traditional attire and forming intricate dance circles. These dances symbolize the joyous celebration of life, as well as the triumph of light over darkness.

Today, Navratri transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by people of various backgrounds, not only in India but also in Indian communities worldwide. It's a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the significance of preserving cultural heritage in a modern world. Navratri continues to be a time of unity, devotion, and festivity, honoring the ancient legends and history that make it a cherished part of Indian culture.

Image Courtesy: Gujarat Tourism