Diwali is one of the key festivals celebrated in South Asia, by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It is the festival of lights, with a symbolism of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.  

Diwali returns to Asia Society with an in-person, fun-filled, and multi-sensorial afternoon. This event is presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree.

On November 11th, 1- 4pm, 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.

Leo Cafe has organized a special Diwali menu for the occasion.

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.

“Diwali with Minnie,” a short from Disney Junior’s vlog-style series “Me & Mickey,” features Minnie and Mickey Mouse as they share a few Diwali traditions.

2:05 p.m.

Indian Dance Performance

Come see a beautiful performance of Odisi and Bharatnatyam dance forms, that feature stories of Diwali, and learn special dance moves to celebrate Diwali. Dancers Sri Thina Subramaniam and Aparna Shankar will be leading this session.

First Floor Lobby 

"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 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 that are integral to Diwali. Decorate your mithai and then eat it.

• Diwali Storytime: Join us for an interactive storytelling session with author Anu Sehgal and Priya Kumari.

• Diwali Photobooth: Take memorable photos in front of our beautiful Diwali booth.

This event is presented in collaboration with Asia Society and 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.

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