Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. Getting its name from the row of clay lamps lit to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, Diwali is usually celebrated sometime between October and November, with tons of Diwali events going on around NYC.
This year the festival takes place on Friday, November 1st, though celebrations will go on for much longer. Each day of the festival has its own festive day which varies according to community regions and rituals. This festival brings with it a ton of fun and exciting ways to honor it, and these are the Diwali events you can find in NYC:
1. Diwali Celebration at the Seaport
The Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree will host festive activities to mark Diwali. Create your own baggywrinkle decoration inspired by marigold garlands, decorate your own diya lamp and float it in a special pool on deck, partake in an interactive dance workshop where you’ll learn mudras (hand gestures) from classical Indian dance and groove to popular Diwali songs in a lively performance, and more! RSVP for free on their site.
📍 Seaport Square – 89 South St. between Piers 16 & 17
🗓️ Friday, November 1, 11 am – 6 pm
2. Enjoy Indian musical dance performance, food, and more at Diwali In Manhattan
One of our favorite Diwali events is Bhakti Center’s annual ‘Diwali – Festival of Lights’ celebration. The celebration will feature traditional Indian musical dance performance, food stalls featuring Indian street food and drinks, henna stall, face painting, and a photo booth! The significance of Diwali will be shared and guests will sing an Aarti together before the evening ends with everyone having an opportunity to offer lamps. You can register here.
📍 Bhakti Center (Temple Room) – 25 First Ave.
🗓️ Friday, November 1, 5 pm – 9 pm
3. Celebrate at Flushing Town Hall’s 9th annual Diwali Festival
Celebrate Diwali with this all-ages festival and dance party, featuring DJ Rekha and Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy and her Srijan Dance Company with special guest dancers! At this celebration you’ll learn folk, Bollywood, and Kathak dance moves infused with hip hop and contemporary dance. You’ll also explore rangoli design, taste Indian foods, learn Hindi calligraphy, and more! Grab your tickets here.
📍 Flushing Town Hall – 137-35 Northern Blvd.
🗓️ Saturday, November 2, 12 pm – 4 pm
4. Enjoy A Delicious Diwali Dinner
If you’re a practicing Hindu, it’s customary to eat vegetarian during Diwali. You can enjoy a Diwali dinner at one of our favorite restaurants like Bungalow. Those who are dining at Bungalow on diwali will receive a special gift and chef Vikas Khanna will be sending a complimentary treat to every table too!
In Brooklyn, Masalwala & Sons are serving up authentic Indian dishes and even have a thali brunch you can enjoy the weekend after Diwali! In Queens, culture is everywhere and so much delectable Indian cuisine can be found. In Sunnyside, Cardamom is serving up some mouth-watering dishes including a variety of their (Barf) homemade milk fudge!
📍 Various locations
🗓️ Various dates
5. Celebrate with a plethora of Diwali events at various NYC libraries
Various NYPL branches around NYC will celebrate the festival with a number of Diwali events that include crafts, puppet story times, and more. The events will take place across various locations and on several dates. See the full schedule here.
📍 Various locations
🗓️ Various dates