India Family Day on Nov. 12

Traditional Indian diyas (oil lamps)

Family Day Celebrates Indian “Festival of Lights”

Families are invited to attend Piedmont Arts’ India Family Day on Saturday, November 12 from 10:30 am – 1 pm at the museum.

India Family Day is a free community event open to all ages that celebrates the Indian festival Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. 

One of the major festivals of Hinduism, Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows and around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night between mid-October and mid-November.

“We are really excited to share the Diwali festival with our community,” said Education Coordinator Becki Williams Vasquez. "It’s the largest festival celebrated throughout India and a time when people share good wishes with each other. We want to share those good wishes in our community, as well.”

During India Family Day, kids can enjoy free Indian snacks, music and themed crafts, including:

• 3D Elephant Cutouts

• 3D Architecture Cutouts
• Rangoli Coloring Sheets (artwork to bring good luck)
• Create a Paper Diya (oil lamp)

India Family Day will also feature a kids’ fashion show of traditional Indian garments and dancing starting at 11:30 am, as well as door prizes for kids and adults.

To learn more about Diwali and India Family Day, visit PiedmontArts.org.