Diwali in Prospect Park

Join Prospect Park Alliance and Indian Dance Arts Educator, Aeilushi Mistry, for Diwali in Prospect Park! Enjoy the family-friendly celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights at the Prospect Park Boathouse. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

In Prospect Park, join the celebration by decorating clay with acrylic colors, and create flower garlands, called har-mala, and honor the rich artisanal textiles and attire of India. Plus, create Rangoli designs with flower petals and enjoy a performance with Rhythm Tolee, an award winning New York City based Punjabi band. Rhythm Tolee performs a wide variety of songs by mixing Punjabi Folk and Sufi music with hip tunes.

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Diwali is associated with Rama in celebration of his return to his kingdom in Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating the demon king, Ravana. Diwali is also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and with the god, Ganesha.

Across the globe, Diwali is celebrated by illuminating homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps). Diwali is traditionally also marked with light celebrations as well as the decoration of floors with rangoli designs. Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing sweets and also for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, that organize activities, events and gatherings.

Sponsors: Diwali is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, administered by Citylore NY, and Indian Dance Arts Educator, Aeilushi Mistry and in collaboration with Prospect Park Alliance. Rhythm Tolee is joined by Sound by Matthew Barba, Stage Manager Roger Rothstein, Photographer Erik Almeida, and Friends of Diwali.