Family Day: Virtual Diwali Festival 2020!

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. This year, we will celebrate together virtually. Please join us for a day of performances and arts and crafts inspired by Diwali. 

1:00 PM Celebrate Diwali with Disney's Mira, Royal Detective
Join us for a special conversation with Leela Ladnier, the voice of Mira, in Disney Junior's hit animated series Mira, Royal Detective. Acclaimed Bollywood choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan, the series' choreographer and dance consultant, will also present a fun tutorial featuring some of Mira's dance moves from the series. Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, Mira, Royal Detective follows the brave and resourceful Mira, who is appointed to the role of Royal Detective by the Queen. The series premiered in the U.S. and India in March and continues to rollout worldwide. A special Diwali-themed episode premieres Friday, November 6 on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.

1:40 PM Ramleela Shadow Puppet Show with The Culture Tree
Join The Culture Tree in a festive shadow puppet show! Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayan. Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana come to life in the Ramleela Puppet Show. This famous epic story 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. 

2:00 PM Kathak Dance with The Parul Shah Dance Company 
The Parul Shah Dance Company will perform a short Kathak performance and then create a dance together based on Diwali and how it is celebrated worldwide. You and your family can join in this virtual performance and demonstration from your own living room!

2:40 PM Indian Music with Raga Kids!
Raga Kids introduces children of all ages to the classical music of South Asia, through learning about traditional instruments, singing together and exploring Raga and Tala. In this special performance you will learn about the violin, tabla, sitar, Tuvan throat singing and visual art from the wonderful teachers of Raga Kids. Sing along with them for their special Diwali performance as they perform the African-American spiritual song This Little Light of Mine, celebrating the light within each of us. Featuring Trina Basu, Arun Ramamurthy, Roshni Samlal, Neel Murgai and Bishakh Som. 

3:10 PM Srijan Dance Center
We will end the afternoon with a brief kathak dance performance from our friends at Srijan Dance Center.

Arts and Crafts inspired by Diwali

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