CELEBRATION OF DIWALI
The Worcester Art Museum Announces Free Admission and Programming in Celebration of Diwali, November 6, 10am-4pm
Museum Partners with the India Society of Worcester to host a day of performances and programing for all ages.
Worcester, MA – The Worcester Art Museum (WAM) announces a free Diwali celebration for the sixth year.
A celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, returns to the Museum with a full day of performances and programs for all ages.
Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness and of knowledge overcoming ignorance and is among the most popular of India’s national holidays, bringing families and communities of many different spiritual backgrounds together.
Activities will include dance and music, lamp lighting, a wedding saree fashion show, a special docent-led tour, and more.
This free event is held in partnership with the India Society of Worcester and will be on Sunday November 6, from 10am to 4pm.
“We at ISW, are so looking forward to continuing this wonderful partnership with the Worcester Art Museum for the sixth year in a row!” says Arathi Cowlagi, Cultural Committee Member at the India Society of Worcester.
“As we welcome Diwali this year, we have a renewed sense of appreciation for celebrating this festival together with the community in person.”
Programing & Performances
All programs and activities are FREE and will be held at the Worcester Art Museum, 55
Salisbury Street in Worcester, MA. Museum parking is free but limited. For directions and a map of additional parking around the Museum, visit:
http://www.worcesterart.org/information/directions/
ISW Welcome and Diwali Lamp Lighting
11:00 am, Renaissance Court
Get ready to be immersed in a lively rhythmic musical experience! This year’s program will be kicked off by ISW Symphony’s Dhol Tasha team that will have you all dancing to its drumbeats! his is followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali Cultural Programming with Dance and Music
11:20 am – 1:15 pm, Renaissance Court
The Indian Society of Worcester presents a full line-up of traditional, modern, and contemporary Indian performances in the Museum’s grand Renaissance Court.
Story Time with Geeta Pherwani, author of “The Pajama Party”
11:30am, 2:30pm, Nook in Education Wing (HEW)
Get ready to take this adventurous journey with fearful pajamas, Baby Blue, to become fearless and learn that, “Every change calls for a new adventure!”
Bawarchi Biryanis: Authentic Treats Available for Purchase
11:30am – 3pm, Museum Café
The popular Bawarchi Biryanis restaurant of Framingham will provide traditional Indian cuisine available for purchase.
Henna by Meghna
11am – 3pm, Hoche Conference Room
See how a mehndi artist works and receive your own henna.
Docent Tour Indian Art
2:30 pm, Meet in Lancaster Lobby
Special docent led tour focused on India connections.
Fashion Show, “Wedding Saree – A Cultural Heritage of India”
1:15pm – 2:00pm, Renaissance Court
Get an close-up view of the vibrancy and color of India’s traditional wedding garments in this Diwali cultural and fashion show.
Studio Art Activities
11am – 3pm, Studios 101 & 102
Check out studio 101 learn how to draw henna patterns for a paper hand. In Studio 102 learn about Madhubani Art Coasters and try your hand at this type of Indian folk art from Mithila, a region in the state of Bihar, northern India.
About the India Society of Worcester
The India Society of Worcester, affectionately known as the ISW, is one of New England’s most vibrant Indian associations. It is primarily a cultural, social, educational and charitable organization. Since its establishment in 1963, the ISW has become a conduit of Indian culture for young Indians born in the U.S.A., as well as the local communities in the region. It is an
outlet where the young and the old are able to showcase their cultural talents.
The ISW also collaborates with other Indian organizations in the region and acts as an advocate for many global and community causes. The multidimensional nature of the ISW has drawn local city and state authorities, as well as businesses to the society.
Today, the ISW is one of the most renowned organizations representing the Indian Community