Diwali, the festival of lights popular in the Indian, Hindu and South Asian communities, is bringing holiday cheer to celebrants Wednesday, Nov. 11. The festival symbolizes how one's inner light protects them from the spiritual darkness and, traditionally, rows of clay lamps will be laid outside one's home to represent this victory. Like Christmas is to Christians, Diwali is one of the biggest holidays on the Hindu calendar.
Local institutions will gather Philadelphia's Hindu community to enjoy the festival with activities during the week. See below for ways to celebrate Diwali in Philadelphia and then click here to learn more about this important holiday.
Diwali Celebration at iHouse Philly
In observance of Diwali, International House will gather its residents, members and the general public for a night of Indian culture. They'll have Indian food, henna tattoos, rangoli folk art, pataka, games, prizes and more. This event is co-sponsored by the South Asia Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, November 11
7 p.m. | $10 general admission, $8 for IHP members, free for IHP residents
International House Philadelphia
3701 Chestnut St.
(215) 387-5125
Celebrating Diwali in 2015
The Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs hosts this annual get-together for the city's celebrating communities in collaboration with Global Philadelphia Association and the Department of Commerce. Guests will experience food, crafts and Indian dance groups like Allarh Mast Jawani from Drexel University, Temple University Bhangra, Main Line Indian Association and Sapna Dance Group. A rangoli artist will also be on hand to demonstrate his cultural artwork.
Thursday, November 12
5-6:30 p.m. | Free admission
City Hall, North Side
1401 JFK Blvd.
(215) 851-8112
Art After 5
Temple Bhangra will also perform during the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Diwali party, as will Temple Agni, an all-female dance company who's work features cinematic Bollywood dance moves. DJ Rahsaan will spin bhangra tunes the rest of the night. This event is supported by the Main Line Indian Association and the Network of Indian Professionals.
Friday, November 13
5-8:45 p.m. | Free after admission ($14-20)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 763-8100