Spend the evening at the MFA enjoying art, performances, and activities celebrating Diwali!

Many cultures and religions around the world observe this ancient festival of lights. On Diwali, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains—some of the world’s oldest religious groups—light a diya (oil lamp) with family and friends, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Catch music and dance, make art, tour the galleries of South Asian art, and more.

Events and Activities

Drop-In Art Making: Bright and Bold Floral Designs

Druker Family Pavilion
5–9 pm (last entry 8:45 pm)

Rangoli Demonstration by Pallavi Eswara

5–6:30 pm, (presentation 5:45 pm)
Riley Seminar Room

Three in 30

5:30 and 7 pm
Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

Indian Classical Dance by Triveni School of Dance

5:30 and 7 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Spotlight Talks: Devi on a Lotus Throne

6 and 7 pm
Gallery 183

Kathak Dimensions: North Indian Classical Dance

Shapiro Family Courtyard
6:30 and 8:30 pm

SubDrift Community Showcase

6:30–7:30 pm
Gallery 168

The City Talks: South Asian Representation

7–8 pm
Riley Seminar Room

The Sounds of SubDrift

7:45–8:30 pm
Shapiro Family Courtyard

Diwali Dining Specials

Enjoy a two- or three-course prix fixe menu at New American Café inspired by Diwali. Looking for a snack? Head to Taste for vegetable samosas, chicken and paneer tikka masala, aloo gobi, and naan. Learn more about dining at the MFA.