Family Day: Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2023

Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, returns to Asia Society with an in-person, fun-filled afternoon.

On November 11th, let's come together to celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships. Enjoy puppet shows, dance performances, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts inspired by the holiday.

Schedule of Events

Auditorium

1.05 p.m. and 3 p.m. Ramleela Puppet Show with The Culture Tree

A special interactive puppet show for Diwali, including dance, drama, puppetry, storytelling, and songs performed by WonderSpark Puppets. The festival of Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayana. Experience Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana come to life in this show! The performance will explore the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and valor; all while showing why we celebrate Diwali.

2 p.m. Indian Dance Performance

Come see a beautiful Indian dance performance and learn special dance moves to celebrate Diwali.

Ground Floor

"Meet and Greet" with Lord Ganesh

Come check out the statue of the Indian god Ganesh at Asia Society and learn about his symbolism in Indian culture and significance during Diwali.

8th Floor

2–4 p.m. Arts & Crafts, Storytelling and Sweets

• Make your own Diya: During Diwali, people light small clay lamps called Diyas to symbolize the light of knowledge and goodness. Make and decorate your own clay Diya to put by your window at night.

• Ramleela Puppets: Make your own Ramleela puppets, designed by artist Kavita Rajput, and then enact the puppet show at your homes.

• Rangoli Diwali Card: Decorate a Diwali card featuring a beautiful Rangoli design with artist Apnavi Pareek. Rangolis are patterned floor decorations made from materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand, or flower petals. Rangolis are thought to bring luck and are usually made during Diwali.

• Henna Tattoos: Come and get elaborate temporary tattoos on your hands.

• Mithai Making Session: Learn about mithai, Indian sweets which are integral to Diwali. Decorate your mithai and then eat it.

• Join us for an interactive storytelling session with Anu Sehgal and and Priya Kumari!