Celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, at the South Street Seaport Museum and on Seaport Square in New York on November 10, 2023. Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, held in the period from October to November. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
From 3–5pm, come aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree, where you can make your own decoration inspired by the marigold garlands of Diwali, signifying good fortune and faith in the divine, with a maritime twist. Continue the Seaport Museum’s festivities on Pier 16, where you can decorate your own “diya lamp”—or, in this case, a candle—and then set it afloat in a specially prepared pool to symbolize prosperity in the new year.
In addition to these free all-ages activities and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, the Seaport Museum is offering free general admission to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are also available. Pre-registration is encouraged but walk ups will be accommodated as possible. seaportmuseum.org/diwali
