Diwali, often known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in South Asia, by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. 

Diwali returns to Asia Society with colorful, fun-filled, and multi-sensorial afternoon, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree.

On October 26th, 2024, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., join us to celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships. Enjoy music and dance performances, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts inspired by the holiday.

Make sure to check out our special Diwali menu at Asia Society's Leo Cafe for the occasion. 

Schedule

This year's Diwali celebration features dance and music performances in Asia Society's Auditorium as well as arts and crafts and storytelling on the Eighth Floor.

Auditorium

1 p.m. Introduction to Diwali 

1.15 p.m. Interactive Dance Performances

• Ramleela Performance by Kids 

  This mini musical act Tathaastu is a lyrical version of the Hindu epic Ramayan, culminating with the winning of King Ram over Raavan and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The performance is a beautiful blend of Indian classical songs and powerful sequences presented by children.

• Bollywood Dance and Bhangra Performances  

  Come see a lively and energetic performance of Bhangra and Bollywood dance forms that feature stories of Diwali. Learn special dance moves to celebrate Diwali!

Dance by Shehnaaz Dance Academy 

• 3:15 p.m. Music Performance and Workshop 

  Experience the rich heritage of Indian classical music through an interactive introduction to Indian musical concepts of raaga and taala with two melodic and rhythmic instruments. In collaboration with Chhandayan Center for Indian Music, with Galen Passen on sitar and Manav Khurana on tabla. 

Eighth Floor

 1 - 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts, Storytelling and Sweets

1 - 4 p.m. Art Activities: 

• 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.

• Diwali Block Art: Create unique and colorful Diwali-inspired potlis or pouches printed with wooden block designs, inspired by the age-old craft of dyeing and coloring a fabric using wooden blocks. 

Art by Buzy Bugs

• Diwali Activity Book: Each attendee will be given a Diwali activity book, which they can color and complete during the program or at home.

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

2:30 p.m. Mithai (sweet) Making Session

• Learn about mithai, Indian sweets which are integral to Diwali. Decorate your delicious mithai and then eat them. Session led by award-winning chef Surbhi Sahni from TAGMO.

2.45 p.m. Diwali Storytime with Mudras

• Join us for a story time in which a popular Diwali story will be told by author Chhavi Arya Bhargava. We will also have a fun Diwali trivia in the afternoon.

This event is presented by Asia Society in collaboration with The Culture Tree.

The Culture Tree promotes cultural literacy about South Asia through language and educational & cultural programs. Our goal is to create empathy, respect and understanding towards all different cultures and further inclusivity, while still helping address questions about Identity with heritage cultures.

Instagram: @TheCultureTree | FB: @TheCultureTreeNY | Twitter: @CultureTreeNY