Diwali returns to Asia Society for a colorful, fun-filled, and multi-sensorial afternoon, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree. Celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships with music and dance performances, storytelling, and hands-on arts and crafts inspired by the holiday. 

Schedule 

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

Visitor Center/First Floor Lobby

"Meet and Greet" with Lord Ganesh

Check out the statue of the Indian god Ganesh at Asia Society, and read about his symbolism in Indian culture and significance during Diwali.

Auditorium

1pm - Introduction to Diwali

1:15 pm & 3pm - Interactive Puppet Shows with Wonderspark Puppets and Anu Sehgal 

2pm - Dance Performances and Workshop - Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi 

Eighth Floor

1 - 4pm - Art Activities with Buzy Bugs

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.

Henna Tattoos: Get elaborate temporary tattoos on your hands.

Diwali Storytime with Puppet-Making: Make your own puppet to tell Diwali stories, with authors Anu Sehgal and Jyoti Gopal 

Special Reading: Festivals at the Bungalow, a beautiful new children’s book by Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna 

Diwali Mithai Decoration: Decorate your own special nut-free mithai with Tagmo. 

Diwali Photobooth: Take memorable photos in front of the beautiful Diwali booth by All Things Artistic.