THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR SO MANY YEARS IN A ROW! WE LOVE THIS COMMUNITY.

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Join us for the 5th Annual Downtown Diwali—a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of the Festival of Lights in the heart of Manhattan. Organized by a dedicated group of volunteer parents, the event offers an immersive cultural experience highlighting the rich traditions of the South Asian community.

Enjoy hands-on arts & crafts for kids in the plaza at the Irish Hunger Memorial and live performances indoors at 6 River Terrace. The program features traditional Bharatanatyam, high-energy Bollywood fusion, a skit retelling the Ramayana (the story behind Diwali), and live musical and vocal sets. Plus, don't miss the awesome raffle giveaways from our partners - Robofun, Court 16, and Complete Playground, Ayka, Plantkos, Love Indus, and Pink Burfi - with prizes worth over $800!

Savor a feast of authentic Indian cuisine from Moghul Restaurant (Edison, NJ), and don’t miss our on-site mehndi (henna) artist. As the sun sets, join us for a Golden-Hour Garba followed by a dazzling Sparkler Finale overlooking the Hudson River.

This community event is presented in partnership with Vivarta Arts and Moghul Restaurant. Tickets: $40 for adults, $25 for kids. A discounted family ticket is available. Prices are highly subsidized by our volunteer organizers to make this celebration accessible to the community.

Questions? Email downtowndiwali@gmail.com. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

What to expect

Performances @ 6 River Terrace: Classical Bharatanatyam dance, high-energy Bollywood fusion, a skit retelling the Ramayana, plus live musical and vocal sets.
Kids’ arts & crafts @ Irish Hunger Memorial plaza: Hands-on stations and activities throughout the afternoon.
Family treasure hunt: Scour Rockefeller Park for playful “signs of good fortune” inspired by the Diwali tradition of welcoming prosperity. This beloved annual tradition includes fun clues for all ages and small prizes for finishers.
Painting workshop with Japneet Kaur: Illustrator of Sing with Earth and Me ABC - the first kids’ book on sustainability, inaugurated by the United Nations - will lead a creative mini workshop for children and families.
Signed books by Sheetal Sheth: Snag a signed copy by the author of the beloved “Anjali” series.
Golden-Hour Garba + Sparkler Finale: Dance as the sun sets, then cap the evening off overlooking the Hudson River with the special Festival of Lights tradition of sparklers lighting up the night sky.
Authentic Indian cuisine: A delicious spread from Moghul Restaurant (Edison, NJ).
Acclaimed henna (mehndi) artist, Mehendi by Monika, on site: Beautiful, temporary designs for all ages.
Raffles & giveaways all afternoon: Exciting prizes from incredible South Asian brands like Aakya, Plantkos, Love Indus, and Pink Burfi, as well as local family-favorite partners Robofun, Court16, and Complete Playground.

Downtown Diwali: A Festival of Lights - SOLD OUT

Downtown Diwali: A Festival of Lights - SOLD OUT