Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. Celebrate with performances and arts and crafts inspired by Diwali. 

Schedule of Events:

1:00 p.m. Bollywood and Bhangra Dance with Bollywood Axion
Enjoy energetic Bollywood and Bhangra dance performances by Bollywood Axion of New York City and learn some fun moves from Bollywood Choreographer Pooja Narang yourself! Get into the spirit of Diwali by dancing with us!

2:30 p.m. Interactive Diwali Puppet show with The Culture Tree
A special interactive puppet show for Diwali, including dance, drama, puppetry, storytelling and songs. The festival of Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayana, so this show will bring Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana to life. The famous Ramayana is a little mysterious, a little sad, but with a happy ending. The show will teach the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and valor; all while learning why we celebrate Diwali. 

The Culture Tree provides South Asian themed educational and cultural programs that enrich the lives of children and their families and promotes a deeper connection with their roots and the world around them.

4:15 p.m. Indian Classical Dance Interactive Performance 
Kathak dancer Parul Shah and Bharatanatyam dancer Sonali Skandan will perform a movement workshop in the spirit of the Diwali festival. Interactive dance will include audience participation, as you learn to special dance moves to celebrate Diwali!

1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Ongoing Activities: Arts and Crafts inspired by Diwali: 8th Floor
• Make your own Diya: During Diwali, people light small clay lamps called Diyas to symbolize the light of knowledge and goodness. Learn how to make your own clay Diya to put by your window at night!
• Rangoli Making: Rangolis are patterned floor decorations which are thought to bring luck. Try your hand at rangoli making using colored sand, beans, and rice!
• Himalayan Felting: Craft your own felt using colorful wool in a traditional method! 
• Block Printing: The art of textile block-printing has been practiced for centuries. This activity uses traditional style of wood block printing to teach this ancient art.
• Temporary Tattoos: Come and get elaborate henna tattoos on your hands, arms or even your feet!

Special Diwali menu will be available at the Garden Court Café. Chef Tsering prepares Indian specialty items such as thali, samosas and gulab jamun.

Family programs at Asia Society are supported by The Coca-Cola Company.