Our Bureau
New York, NY
South Street Seaport Museum presents the Diwali Celebration on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 11 am -6 pm. Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree for a full day of free Seaport Museum admission and festive activities to mark Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali, named for the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that light up homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness, also marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Free general admission can be booked at its website.
From 11 am to 6 pm, step aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree for hands-on Diwali fun! Create your own baggywrinkle decoration inspired by marigold garlands, a symbol of good fortune and faith, but with a maritime twist. Plus, decorate your own “diya lamp”—or in this case, a candle—and float it in a special pool on deck, symbolizing prosperity for the new year. The Museum is staying open one hour later so that you can enjoy the glow of your diya lamp after sunset.
From 4 pm to 6 pm, enjoy Diwali Puppet Storytime on Wavertree and explore the significance and origins of Diwali and how it’s celebrated worldwide. Read stories like A Kids Book About Diwali, perfect for children and families. Following Storytime, dive into an interactive dance workshop where you’ll learn mudras (hand gestures) from classical Indian dance and groove to popular Diwali songs in a lively performance!
In addition to these exciting, all-ages activities, enjoy free access to the Seaport Museum’s current exhibitions at 12 Fulton Street and explore the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Timed tickets for a free tour of the 1908 Lightship Ambrose are also available.
The Culture Tree promotes cultural literacy about South Asia through language and educational & cultural programs.
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship.
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city.
