Light Up Your Diwali in New York: Best Events, Eats, and Experiences
Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. New York City comes alive with the joyous celebrations of Diwali, offering endless ways to enjoy the holiday. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in traditional performances, indulge in delicious Indian sweets, or shop for festive essentials, this guide will help you celebrate Diwali in the heart of NYC.
DIWALI EVENTS:
1. Celebrate Diwali at the Asia Society
Diwali returns to Asia Society in 2024 with an afternoon of colorful, multi-sensory experiences. In collaboration with The Culture Tree, this event offers a day filled with puppet shows, dance performances, workshops, and more. Some key highlights include:
- Interactive Dance Performances: Join the lively Bollywood and Bhangra dances and learn new moves!
- Ramleela Performance by Kids: Watch a mini-musical version of the Hindu epic Ramayana performed by children.
- Mithai Making and Tasting: Decorate and enjoy traditional Indian sweets from Chef Surbhi Sahni.
- Arts and Crafts: Make your own Diya, create Diwali-inspired block art, and explore hands-on activities.
Date: October 26, 2024, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Tickets: Purchase here
For more info, visit Asia Society.
2. Diwali in Hudson River Park
Celebrate Diwali at Pier 63 in Hudson River Park with a lively event featuring dance, music, henna, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy a performance and dance workshop by Ajna Dance Company, along with a DJ-led dance party, Diwali-themed crafts, face painting, and mehndi (henna) art. It’s a joyful event to celebrate the festival of lights in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Date: October 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Pier 63, Hudson River Park
For more details, visit the Hudson River Park event page.
3. Diwali Celebration at the Seaport Museum
Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree for a festive Diwali celebration aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Enjoy free admission, hands-on Diwali-themed crafts, like creating marigold-inspired decorations and floating diya lamps. From 4 PM to 6 PM, participate in Diwali Puppet Storytime, followed by a dance workshop. Explore exhibitions and take a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose for a full day of culture and fun!
Date: November 1, 2024, 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Wavertree, Seaport Museum
Book Free Admission
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Diwali Essentials: Where to Buy Festive Items
If you’re looking to shop for Diwali puja items, decorations, or traditional apparel, check out these top spots:
- Butala Emporium: Butala Emporium, a one-of-a-kind store in the USA, provides unique insights into Indian arts, handicrafts, religious goods & puja items, statues, temples, spiritual books, natural Incense & essential oils, ayurvedic herbs, musical instruments and more for over 30 years—a super-store for all Hindu pooja articles. Visit Website
- Apna Bazaar: Apna Bazaar is a premium store for Indian & ethnic groceries. We specialize in top-quality groceries, excellent customer service, and affordable prices. Visit Website
- Patel Brothers: Premier destination for Indian groceries and festive supplies. Visit Website
- India Sari Palace: Known for its wide selection of saris and custom-tailoring. Visit Website
- India Sajawat & Puja Hut: Serving the community with premium quality goods for all your puja and spiritual occasions Since 2005. India Sajawat & Puja Hut has been a sacred sanctuary of divine offerings where spirituality meets convenience! Visit Website
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Sweets for the Festival: Top Mithai Shops in NYC
All over the world, people celebrate the Diwali season in so many colorful ways. Some throw elaborate parties with their loved ones, some put together firework displays, and some are content with lighting a diya or two – but we can all agree that no Diwali is complete without a spread of delicious mithai sweets!
- TAGMO: Specializes in artisanal Indian sweets with a modern twist.
Visit Website - Malai: Offers rich, flavorful ice cream inspired by traditional Indian desserts.
Visit Website - Maharaja Sweets: A go-to spot for classic Indian sweets like laddoos and jalebis.
Visit Website - Knead Some Love NY – Visit Website
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Hindu Temples to Visit During Diwali
All the devotees and visitors who want to indulge in the spiritual aura, are welcome for a blissful experience. These Hindu temples in New York hold a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Also, These temples invite them to dive into utmost spirituality:
- Ganesh Temple: A serene temple known for its spiritual ambiance and delicious food at the Temple Canteen.
Location: 45-57 Bowne St, Queens, NY 11355 - ISKCON Brooklyn: A vibrant temple where you can participate in devotional singing and worship.
Location: 305 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
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Diwali Feasts: Restaurants Going All Out for the Festival
- GupShup (Gramercy)https://www.gupshupnyc.com/
- Indian Accent (Midtown)https://www.indianaccent.com/newyork
- Paisley (Tribeca)https://paisleyrestaurantnyc.com/
- Goa (Tribeca)
- Bungalow (Mid Town)https://www.bungalowny.com/menu
- Junoon (Mid Town)https://www.junoonnyc.com/
- Semma (Mid Town)https://www.semma.nyc/
- Mumbai to Kanyakumari (Union Square)http://kanyakumarinyc.com/
- Baar Baar https://baarbaarnyc.com/
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