Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2026 – Family Day
Celebrate the Festival of Lights in New York City as Diwali Lights Up Asia Society returns for a colorful afternoon of Indian dance, music, storytelling, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree, this annual Family Day celebrates the traditions and stories of Diwali through hands-on experiences for all ages. Visitors can learn Indian dance styles including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Ghoomar, and Bhangra, watch interactive puppet shows inspired by Diwali stories, and even meet Asia Society’s statue of Lord Ganesh while learning about his significance in Indian culture and the holiday.
Throughout the afternoon, families can decorate their own diyas, make Diwali-inspired jewelry and masks, get temporary henna tattoos, learn about Indian mithai, and enjoy interactive storytelling. Asia Society’s Leo Café will also offer a special Diwali menu for the occasion.
Diwali is celebrated across South Asia by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists and is often described as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Schedule Highlights
1:00 PM – Introduction to Diwali
1:15 PM – Indian Dance: Bharatanatyam & Kathak
2:15 PM – Interactive Puppet Show: Stories of Diwali
3:15 PM – Indian Dance: Ghoomar & Bhangra
1:00–4:00 PM – Arts, crafts, sweets and storytelling, including diya decorating, Diwali jewelry, henna tattoos, mithai decorating, mask making and more.
