Diwali, or the festival of lights, is a significant festival within Hinduism. The festival generally lasts five to six days depending on the region in India and is celebrated between mid October and mid November. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. If you’re looking for where you can celebrate the holiday in the DMV area or you want to learn more about the festival, be sure to check out these events.
Celebrate Diwali in DC
Diwali Party at the Ashburn Library
The Ashburn Library is hosting a Diwali Party on Tuesday, October 25th from 4pm to 5pm. Join the event for a chance to create clay diya lamps and colorful Diwali crafts while learning about the Indian festival of lights. Guests will be able to enjoy Bollywood dance and music while crafting as well. Children from grades K-5 are welcome to join. The Ashburn Library is a Loudoun County Public Library branch that is always happy to help the community learn and grow with free events, discussions, research tools, books, movies, and fun events for kids. Learn more about the event details here.
NetSAP Diwali 2022
On October 27th, the Network of South Asian Professionals in DC is hosting the festival of lights! Located at Delhi Dhabi at 2424 Wilson Blvd in Arlington, Virginia which is near the Court House Metro stop, join the celebration to enjoy snacks, sparklers, games, and music. The event starts at 6pm and ends at 10pm, and admission is $20 per person. Learn more about the event and location here.
Virginia Diwali Celebration 2022
On October 29th, the World Hindu Council of America-VHPA is hosting the 2022 Diwali Celebration from 5pm to 11pm in Leesburg, Virginia. The venue for the celebration is Riverside High School. The program will begin with Ma Laxmi puja followed by semi classical competitive performances, dinner, and dance masti. The regular price for tickets is $25 for adults and $15 for children below 12 (toddlers are free), but tickets are $5 off if you purchase by October 25th. Read more about the celebration and register for the event here.
Celebration of Diwali: Aditya Prakash Trio feat Erika Dohi and Kamalakiran Vinjamuri
In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, District of Raga presents a celebration of Diwali with Aditya Prakash Trio featuring Aditya Prakash on vocal and percussion, Erika Dohi on piano, and Kamalakiran Cinjamuri on violin. This performance will explore a genre-fluid space from musicians with roots in classical traditions of Karnatik and Western roots. The performance will feature experimental explorations of melody and connection between the “contemporary and traditional” by pushing the boundaries of raga and playing with dissonance, harmony, beauty, and tension. The performance is in response to the Celebration of Diwali, a festival commonly associated with the triumph of awareness, compassion, and illumination over hate, ignorance, and darkness. Read more about the performance here and reserve your tickets here.
Happy Diwali!
There are various events to attend and restaurants in the city with traditional dishes and deals for the celebration in order to celebrate the festival of lights. Happy Diwali, and we wish everyone good health and happiness!