NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Cary, NC, October 16, 2025: A video of two American mayors joyfully performing a Bollywood dance at a Diwali celebration in North Carolina has gone viral, capturing hearts across social media and highlighting the growing cultural bonds between Indian Americans and their local leaders. The performance took place on Saturday, October 11, at Hum Sub Diwali 2025, a major community festival held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.
Harold Weinbrecht, mayor of Cary, and TJ Cawley, mayor of Morrisville, joined community members on stage for lively Bollywood numbers. They were accompanied by Cary Town Council members Lori Bush, Sarika Bansal, and Michelle Craig, along with their teams — all of whom spent weeks preparing for the performance. A video of their energetic moves continues to circulate widely on Instagram and Facebook, including this Instagram Reel and this Facebook video.
The special performance was choreographed by local dance artists, who praised the officials for their enthusiasm and commitment. “It was such a privilege to choreograph a special performance for Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor TJ Cawley, and the amazing council members Lori Bush, Sarika Bansal, and Michelle Craig, along with their wonderful teams,” one choreographer shared. “My dance buddy Irina Mohammed and I looked forward to their weekly practice sessions.”
In a blog post after the event, Mayor Weinbrecht wrote that he read a city proclamation recognizing Diwali and noted Cary’s pride in hosting such a major cultural celebration. The annual event — one of the largest Diwali festivals in the Southeast — drew thousands of attendees with its vibrant mix of cultural performances, rangoli displays, traditional lamps, and food stalls.
The sight of local leaders embracing Indian culture on stage resonated deeply with attendees. “It shows how much our community is embraced here,” said one participant. “Moments like these make us feel truly at home.”
The viral video of the mayors and council members dancing under the lights of Diwali continues to spread online, serving as a joyful reminder of how festivals like this foster cross-cultural understanding and bring communities together.
