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 Sunday, November 12th, 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. Take part in a magical evening filled with dance, music, & joy
Sparkles & Steps is hosting a sparkling celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights! Get ready to immerse yourself in a magical evening filled with dance, music, and joy as you experience the vibrant traditions of Diwali with dazzling Diya and colorful decorations. Gather your loved ones and craft enduring memories through a range of engaging activities suitable for all ages. Enjoy henna tattoos, storytelling, traditional Indian dance workshops, arts and crafts for the young ones, groove to DJ Tauba’s tunes. Learn more here.
📍 Old First Reformed Church – 729 Carroll St., Brooklyn
🗓️ Saturday, November 4, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
2. Enjoy a Diwali celebration with dazzling Diyas at the Rubin Museum of Art
Head to the Mandala Lab on the third floor of The Rubin Museum of Art for an afternoon of creativity and self-exploration that both kids and grown-ups can enjoy. In honor of Diwali there will be a series of special programs such as a Diyas art-making activity, a free mithai (a traditional Indian sweet) tasting, and more. See the full schedule here.
📍 Rubin Museum of Art – 150 W. 17th St.
🗓️ Sunday, November 5, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
3. Diwali Celebration at the Seaport
Seaport Square will shine in celebration of Diwali, the Indian Festival of Light. Co-hosted with The Culture Tree, the Seaport has a vibrant, jam-packed celebration planned for the holiday, including dance performances and a dance workshop, a live DJ, a Diwali photo booth, art workshops, rangoli art, Indian food, mithai by TAGMO, and lots of vendors. It’s free with RSVP which you can do here.
📍 Seaport Square – 89 South St. between Piers 16 & 17
🗓️ Friday, November 10, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4. 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.
🗓️ Sunday, November 12, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
5. 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.
🗓️ Sunday, November 19, 12 p.m.
6. 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
7-11. Celebrate the holiday by digging into indulgent menus at various NYC restaurants
Platform by JBF
Platform by JBF is hosting a dinner dedicated to the colorful celebration, a Diwali dinner. Restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi will showcase an indulgent and modern Indian menu curated for the evening in a four-course dinner. The Diwali meal will be completed with a festive soundtrack and signature cocktails to create an unforgettable way to mark the holiday. Grab your tickets here.
📍 25 11th Ave.
🗓️ Friday, November 10, 7 p.m.
Gulaabo
In honor of Diwali, chef Paramjeet Bombra of Gulaabo will be preparing a selection of menu specials, in addition to the regular a la carte menu, such as a Chaat Platter, Kebab Platter, Diwali Special Thali, and a Methai Platter. They’ll also be offering Kesari, a special cocktail featuring saffron-infused run, fresh almond milk, vanilla-cardamom syrup, and grapefruit liqueur.
📍 250 W 47th St.
🗓️ Sunday, November 12
Baar Baar
Baar Baar will be celebrating the Festival of Lights with a special 3-course prix-fixe menu and live entertainment. The menu is priced at $65 per person and includes choices for appetizers and entrees (with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options), as well as an amuse bouche, sides, and an add-on option.
📍 13 E 1st St.
🗓️ Sunday, November 12
Tagmo
Chef Surbhi Sahni of Tagmo is bringing a bit of her personal life to the table with the four-course $85 prix fixe menu featuring Punjabi specialties like Mutter Aloo Ki Tikki: potato croquette with peas, onion, and green chili and Daadi’s Saag, sauteed spinach, eggplant and tomatoes with fenugreek and dill to represent Chef Surbhi and her background as well as Bengali specialties, like Kosho Mongsho: baby goat with onion, ginger-garlic, green chilli, mustard oil and ghee to represent her partner Piali, who is Bangladeshi. Make your reservations here.
📍 226 Front St.
🗓️ Wednesday, November 8 – Sunday, November 12
The Salon at SONA
Located within SONA in what was formerly the front dining room, The Salon at SONA is an intimate neighborhood cocktail and tea lounge with vibrant, colorful decor. Their menu features House of Waris Botanical teas, craft cocktails, and a menu of small Indian bites like Crab Puri Puri with Caviar and Spiced Chicken Kebabs. They’ve decorated the dining room with chic Diwali decor & will have specials throughout the holiday season.
📍 36 E 20th St.
🗓️ Throughout the Diwali holiday season