As the festival of lights approaches, Diwali serves as a moment of community and celebration for NYU’s South Asian community. Traditions such as Diya decorating, cultural dances and the sharing of Indian sweets symbolize the triumph of good over evil. For students who feel disconnected and isolated from their usual traditions of celebrating at home with family, there are many Diwali events across NYU and New York City that offer the chance to build community and engage with the festival. 

Third North Diwali event, Oct. 17, 5 p.m.

Third North Residence Hall Courtyard 75 3rd Ave.

Now in its fifth year, NYU’s annual Diwali celebration at Third North Residence Hall has become a campus favorite, drawing students back each fall for an evening of cultural celebration. The event will be hosted in the courtyard at 5 p.m, inviting students from across the university to enjoy Indian finger foods and lively beats. Organized by Residential Life and Housing Services, the event invites anyone — whether they grew up celebrating Diwali or are experiencing it for the first time — to share in the festival’s spirit of hope and togetherness by indulging themselves in South Asian culture.

School of Professional Studies Diwali event, Oct. 17, 5:30-8:30 pm 

SPS Building 5th floor lounge 7 E. 12th St., 

NYU’s School of Professional Studies will also host a Diwali celebration open to all students. While this falls at the same time as Third North’s celebration, this celebration will offer a wider range of food options, and allow students to learn more about Indian culture through its trivia event. At the heart of the celebration, students can gather around tables painting Diyas in bright reds and golds while their hands are adorned with swirls of painted henna. Hosted by the International Club in collaboration with several other organizations, this event will include art, music and an arrangement of traditional Indian snacks and sweets.

Asia Society’s Diwali Oct. 18, 1-4 p.m.

725 Park Ave.

Asia Society’s annual Diwali celebration returns to its Upper East Side headquarters for a colorful and family friendly afternoon presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree, a non-profit which works to promote South Asian arts and culture. Throughout the afternoon, students can enjoy live music, storytelling and hands-on crafts and explore the traditions of Diwali through interactive puppet shows and Bharatnatyam dance workshops. Students will also be able to indulge in festive treats and a special Diwali-themed menu at Leo Cafe. Tickets are $20 for adults, making it an accessible opportunity for NYU students looking to find out more about the festival and New York City’s South Asian community. 

Seaport Museum’s Diwali, Oct. 20, 3-6 p.m. 

213 Water St.

In partnership with The Culture Tree, the South Street Seaport Museum will host a free Diwali celebration with a range of fun cultural activities to participate in. Starting at 3 p.m., students can decorate a battery-operated Diya, an LED version of the original clay oil lamp, and place them in a small pool, serving as symbols of prosperity for the upcoming year.  In contrast to the more traditional offerings, there will also be a storytime and puppet show about the festival’s significance and a dance workshop and performance. Guests will also gain free entry to the Maritime City exhibition.

Contact Shreeya Goyal and Rhea Kohli at [email protected]