Diwali Celebration at the MFA: A Festival of Lights
Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Tickets: Included with General Admission
Enjoy pay-what-you-wish general admission starting at $5 after 5 pm (in-person only, available day of the event).
What to Expect
Join the MFA Boston as we celebrate Diwali, the ancient festival of lights that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The event offers a blend of music, dance, art, and food, featuring cultural experiences from across South Asia.
Featured Activities
- Drop-In Art Making – Bright & Bold Floral Designs
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (last entry 8:45 pm)
Location: Druker Family Pavilion
Design vibrant floral art inspired by traditional lotus symbols using oil pastels and velour paper. - Rangoli Demonstration by Pallavi Eswara
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (presentation at 5:45 pm)
Location: Riley Seminar Room
Witness a traditional rangoli demonstration by artist Pallavi Eswara, who will create stunning patterns with dots, lines, and intricate floral designs. - Three in 30 Tour
Times: 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm
Meeting Location: Sharf Visitor Center
Explore three MFA art pieces with ties to Diwali during this special 30-minute guided tour. - Indian Classical Dance by Triveni School of Dance
Times: 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm
Location: Shapiro Family Courtyard
Experience mesmerizing classical Indian dance performances from Triveni School of Dance, depicting tales from Hindu mythology. - Spotlight Talks: Devi on a Lotus Throne
Times: 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Location: Gallery 183
Dive into the symbolic meanings behind the lotus in Indian art with MFA’s Curator Laura Weinstein. - Kathak Dimensions – North Indian Classical Dance
Times: 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm
Location: Shapiro Family Courtyard
See Kathak, a dynamic North Indian classical dance presented by Chhandika Institute of Kathak’s talented ensembles. - SubDrift Community Showcase and Baraat
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Gallery 168
Enjoy poetry, music, and a celebratory baraat procession led by SubDrift Boston, a creative South Asian community. - The City Talks: South Asian Representation Panel
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Riley Seminar Room
Join a discussion on supporting South Asian creatives, led by Boston-area artists and cultural activists. - The Sounds of SubDrift
Time: 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Shapiro Family Courtyard
Delight in a live music showcase from members of SubDrift Boston to close out the evening.
Diwali Dining Specials
Treat yourself to a festive dining experience with Diwali-inspired menus at the New American Café or grab quick bites like vegetable samosas, chicken and paneer tikka masala, and naan from Taste.
Plan Your Visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Enjoy accessible public transit options and nearby parking for a seamless visit.
Reserve Your Spot
This Diwali celebration is included with general admission, with pay-what-you-wish pricing available after 5 pm on November 7. Don’t miss out on this memorable evening of cultural festivities, art, and entertainment at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.Restaurant inside the museum (Restaurant 266). Public transit, as well as limited parking options, are available nearby for easy access.
Upcoming MFA Events
Can’t make it to First Fridays this month? Check out more MFA events happening throughout the season to experience Boston’s art scene in new and exciting ways.
Links:
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA, 02115