Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. Celebrate with performances, and arts and crafts inspired by Diwali.

Schedule of Events:

1pm: Bollywood and Bhangra Dance with Bollywood Axion
Enjoy energetic Bollywood and Bhangra dance performances by Bollywood Axion of New York City and learn some fun moves from Bollywood Choreographer Pooja Narang.

2:30pm: Interactive Diwali Puppet show with The Culture Tree
A special interactive puppet show for Diwali, including dance, drama, puppetry, storytelling and songs. The festival of Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayana, so this show brings Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana to life. The famous Ramayana is a little mysterious, a little sad, but with a happy ending.

4:15pm: Indian Classical Dance Interactive Performance
Kathak dancer Parul Shah and Bharatanatyam dancer Sonali Skandan perform a movement workshop in the spirit of the Diwali festival. Interactive dance includes audience participation.

1:30pm-5pm: Ongoing Activities: Arts and Crafts inspired by Diwali: 8th Floor

• Make your own Diya: During Diwali, people light small clay lamps called Diyas to symbolize the light of knowledge and goodness. Learn how to make your own clay Diya to put by your window at night.
• Rangoli Making: Rangolis are patterned floor decorations that are thought to bring luck. Try your hand at rangoli making using colored sand, beans, and rice.
• Himalayan Felting: Craft your own felt using colorful wool in a traditional method.
• Block Printing: The art of textile block-printing has been practiced for centuries. This activity uses traditional style of wood block printing to teach this ancient art.
• Temporary Tattoos: Get elaborate henna tattoos on your hands, arms or even your feet!
• A special Diwali menu is available at the Garden Court Café. Chef Tsering prepares Indian specialty items such as thali, samosas and gulab jamun.