Indian Cultural Celebrations in Washington, DC

Join us for another year to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with food, performances, crafts, and more! Registration: Registration is recommended but not required. We use Eventbrite registration numbers to estimate how many people we expect to attend and how much supplies to prepare. Most activities have a limited capacity, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration does not guarantee entry. Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with an evening of food, music, dance, and activities! Learn how different regions celebrate this Hindu holiday, create crafts to take home, and see the museum lit up once the sun goes down. Program Details: Food Vendors West Building, Plaza 5–9:00 p.m. Enjoy cuisine from the Indian diaspora. Crafts & Coloring West Building 5-7 p.m. Family Fun Activities (North Corridor and Galleries 1-2) 5-9 p.m. Color a diya (South Corridor) East Building 5-9 p.m. Decorate a rangoli with Kulture Khazana (Gallery 27, level B1) Performances West Building, Meyer Auditorium 6 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Strings for the Festival of Lights - A presentation in Indian Classical Music - Sarod Recital by Swarnendu West Building, Plaza 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. Dance performances by Vishious Vicinity 7:30–9:30 p.m. Afterhours Dance Party with DJ MAIYA Tours and Spotlight Talks 5–8 p.m. Docent spotlight talks: Body Image: Arts of the Indian Subcontinent (Galleries 1–2) Docent spotlight talks: The Peacock Room (Gallery 12) 5–7 p.m. Docent spotlight talks: The Art of Knowing (Gallery 22) 7 p.m. Gallery tour: The Art of Knowing with curator Emma Stein (Gallery 22) Conservation Cart Talk West Building, North Corridor 5-7 p.m. Special Decorations West Building, Plaza and Courtyard 5–9:30 p.m. See the museum lit up to celebrate Diwali.