South Street Seaport Museum Diwali Celebration at the Seaport Museum

About this event

Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree Collective Inc. for festive activities to mark Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali, named for the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that light up homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, also marks the start of the Hindu New Year. From 4pm to 6pm, decorate your own “diya lamp”—or in this case, a battery-operated candle—on the cobblestones of Water Street outside of the Museum and float it in a special pool, symbolizing prosperity for the new year. Also on the cobbles, but from 4pm to 5pm, visit a henna artist for a special decorative keepsake. At 4:15pm, head into the Museum’s first-floor Maritime City exhibition gallery for Diwali Puppet Storytime, where you’ll explore the significance and origins of Diwali and how it’s celebrated worldwide. Plus, read stories like A Kids Book About Diwali, perfect for children and families. Following Storytime, at 5pm, jump into an interactive dance workshop and performance in which you will experience and dance to popular Diwali songs, music, and stories. Attendees will learn mudras (hand gestures) from classical dance forms and dance to beautiful Diwali songs. In addition to these exciting, all-ages activities, enjoy free access to the Seaport Museum’s Maritime City exhibition and explore the unique letterpress printshop Bowne & Co., Stationers, which will even have something special for you to print using the Museum’s 19th century printing press! Preregistration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible.