Flushing Town Hall will celebrate its annual Diwali Festival with a special theme this year: The Indian Wedding. The festival will fill the Flushing venue with the sights, sounds and flavors of India, culminating in an afternoon of cultural festivities on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 12-4 p.m.
Diwali, the Festival of Light, is a celebration for audiences of all ages. Guests can participate in interactive workshops exploring Indian foods, visual arts and movement, and a stunning Indian wedding dance drama featuring Abha B. Roy and her Srijan Dance Company.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for members and can be purchased here. Children attend for free.
“The festival reflects our year-round commitment to presenting global arts and creating meaningful cultural experiences for the diverse audiences of Queens and the greater New York City area,” said Ellen Kodadek, executive and artistic director at Flushing Town Hall. “We are deeply grateful to the Guru Krupa Foundation for its longtime support of this beloved program and the communities we serve.”
Before the show starts on Nov. 1, families can learn Indian classical and folk dance steps, try out block printing with Dr. Alka Mukerji and create colorful rangoli art with Josh Roychowdhury.
Guests can also receive henna designs by Bella Beauty, try Hindi calligraphy by Jasbir Bhatia and take part in other activities that bring Indian culture and Diwali traditions to life.
Queens Curry Kitchen will sell Indian food and drinks throughout the afternoon, and Chef Nupur will demonstrate how to cook traditional vegetarian Indian dishes.
At 2:15 p.m., Roy and her dance company will reenact cultural wedding customs such as henna painting the bride, haldi — placing turmeric on the bride and groom — dances from different regions of India, marriage ceremonies and the farewell to the bride.
Audiences will welcome the bridal party with the tassa drumming procession, immersing themselves in the performance as wedding guests.
“Indian weddings are known for their beautiful colors, lively music, dance and sense of celebration, and we want families to experience some of that excitement for themselves,” said Gabrielle M. Hamilton, director of education and public programs at Flushing Town Hall. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to participate, discover something new and experience Diwali through the arts.”
Diwali, or Deepavali, takes its name from the Sanskrit phrase meaning “row of lights.” The holiday is a time of solidarity and renewal, when the soft glow of diyas — traditional oil-wick lamps — illuminate homes and streets, symbolizing the triumph of light over the darkness of ignorance and suffering.
The holiday, which will be recognized on Nov. 8 this year, traces its roots to an ancient harvest festival celebrating the fertility of the earth and the prosperity of a new harvest. While the holiday holds deep significance in Hinduism, it is celebrated across India by people of different religious backgrounds as a time of renewal and growth.
For those who want to explore more Indian music and dance traditions, Flushing Town Hall will present Global Mashup: Bollywood Meets Hollywood on Saturday, Nov. 14.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to FlushingTownHall.org.