Diwali events round out 2024
Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is celebrated every year by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains worldwide. The holiday falls on November 12th this year and we have a whole host of events leading up to it to celebrate! Learn more about the holiday and the culture surrounding it with these events around the city.
Psst…Meet Kavi Sharma, American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year!
Manhattan
Diwali at CMOM
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
Friday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m
All ages
Included with $17 admission
Experience the rich Indian culture as you travel through different parts of India to experience art and culture while celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights.
Diwali celebration at the Seaport Museum
South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., Downtown Manhattan
Friday, November 1, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m
All ages
Free
Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree for a full day of festive activities to celebrate Diwali.
Create your own baggy decoration inspired by marigold garlands, a symbol of luck and faith, but with a maritime twist. Additionally, decorate your own ‘diya lamp’ (or in this case a candle) and float it in a special pool on the deck, symbolizing prosperity for the new year. Enjoy Diwali Puppet Storytime on Wavertree from 4pm to 6pm and read stories like A children’s book about Diwaliideal for children and families. After Storytime, dive into 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!
Diwali at NYPL: Ramleela Puppet Show
53rd Street Library, 18 West 53rd St., Midtown West
Friday, November 1, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
All ages
Free
What is the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and courage? Brave Prince Ram and his allies must rescue his kidnapped wife Sita from King Ravan in this ancient Indian story from the Ramayana, discovering the true meaning of why Diwali is celebrated.
Diwali celebration
Bhakti Center, 25 First Ave., Gramercy
Friday, November 1, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
All ages
Free
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Diwali and light up the city with joy and happiness. This unforgettable evening will be filled with cultural performances, delicious food and lively kirtan. Experience the magic of Diwali as you witness mesmerizing dance performances, traditional music and vibrant exhibitions of Indian art. Enjoy a variety of delectable delicacies, from savory snacks to delectable sweets, as you savor the flavors of this holiday season.
Diwali Storytime Celebration
Riverside Library, Amsterdam Ave. 127, Upper West Side
Tuesday, November 5, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Ages 3 – 12
Free
Join the library for bilingual (Hindi English) Diwali stories with author Anu Sehgal where she will read some beautiful books about Diwali: Kahaani Purani And A children’s book about Diwalibringing the festival of Diwali to life. Children learn about its history, cultural and social significance. Storytime is combined with a Diwali diya art activity and the event ends with a fun Diwali trivia.
Bronx
Diwali lanterns
Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place, Jerome Park
Tuesday, October 29, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Ages 5-18
Free
Join the library to learn more about Diwali and make a Diwali lantern.
Brooklyn
Eeme & Shan Concert and Diwali Reading and crafts
Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Road, East Flatbush
Friday, November 1, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m
All ages
Free
Join Eeme & Shan for a fun Friday with original and classic songs from this popular music duo. This interactive program lets adults and children dance and sing along. After the performance you can read how you can celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights, and make your own Diya.
Diwali in Prospect Park
Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive, Crown Heights
Sunday, November 3, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
All ages
Free
Enjoy the family-friendly celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights at the Prospect Park Boathouse. In Prospect Park, you can join the celebration by decorating clay with acrylic paint and making flower garlands called har-mala, paying tribute to India’s rich artisanal textiles and clothing. Plus, create Rangoli designs with petals and enjoy a performance with Rhythm Tolee, an award-winning Punjabi band from New York City. Rhythm Tolee performs a wide variety of songs by mixing Punjabi Folk and Sufi music with hip tunes.
Diwali at BCM
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
Thursday, November 7, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
All ages
Free
Hear the story of Diwali brought to life through a puppet show presented by The Culture Tree. This famous story teaches children the meaning of dedication, love, kindness and courage – while learning why Diwali is celebrated! Other activities include a mithai (Indian sweets) making workshop and diya paper lantern making at the ColorLab art studio. Through these activities, children learn about Diwali, one of India’s biggest and most important festivals of the year.
Queens
Diwali Arts & Crafts: Mandala Kaleidofiets
Queens Library-Bayside, 214-20 Northern Boulevard, Bayside
Friday, November 1, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Ages 6-11
Free
Join the library for a special Diwali themed craft session where children can create their own mandala kaleido cycle! This hands-on activity combines coloring, cutting, folding and gluing to create an enchanting, rotating mandala that celebrates the vibrant colors and patterns of Diwali. Each participant receives pre-designed templates with pre-drawn patterns and cut/fold guidelines, making it easy for everyone to dive into the creative process. Materials are provided. Space is limited and supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
10th Annual Diwali Festival
Flushing City Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
Saturday, November 2, 12 noon – 4 p.m
All ages
$20; $15 member; free for children.
Celebrate Diwali with this festival and dance party for all ages, featuring DJ Rekha and Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy, Srijan Dance Company with special guest dance troupe ADDA and Dr. Santa R. Nandi! Featuring family-friendly workshops including: block printing with Alka Mukerji, rangoli making with Joshua Roychowdhury, Indian cooking with Chef Nupur and Queens Curry Kitchen, as well as henna from Bella Beauty, Hindi calligraphy and more.
Psst… Look Holiday hacks for busy parents.
Shara Levine