Washington gets a joyful glow on Friday, November 6, when the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights, with a special Asia After Dark evening from 5 to 9:30 p.m. – and families are at the heart of it. From 5 to 7 p.m., the museum’s Family Fun Activities invite kids to get hands-on: color a diya, the small lamp at the center of the celebration, and decorate a rangoli, the colorful patterned floor art, with Kulture Khazana in the ImaginAsia studio.
The whole museum lights up for the night. Families can enjoy cuisine from the Indian diaspora on the plaza, hear classical sarod performances by Swarnendu at 6 and 7:15 p.m., watch high-energy South Indian fusion dance by Vishious Vicinity, and join curator tours and spotlight talks on South Asian art. At 7:30 p.m. the plaza turns into a dance floor with DJ MAIYA. The museum, at 1050 Independence Avenue SW, is free, and advance registration is recommended since some activities are first-come, first-served. It is a warm, hands-on way for Washington families to learn how different regions celebrate light overcoming darkness.
Photo: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Sonya Pencheva
