A Family Day: Virtual Diwali Festival 2020!

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and the New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. This year we will be celebrating together virtually. Join us for a day of Diwali inspired shows and crafts.

1:00 p.m. Celebrate Diwali with Disney's Mira, Royal Detective

Join us for a special conversation with Leela Ladnier, the voice of Mira, in the Disney Junior hit animated series Mira, Royal Detective. Acclaimed Bollywood choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan, choreographer and dance consultant on the show, will also present a fun tutorial featuring some of Mira's dance moves from the show. Inspired by the cultures and customs of India, Mira, Royal Detective follows the brave and resourceful Mira, who is appointed to the role of Royal Detective by the Queen. The series premiered in the United States and India in March and continues to roll out around the world. A special Diwali-themed episode will air Friday, November 6 on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW.

1:40 p.m. Ramleela Shadow Puppet Show with Culture Tree

Join The Culture Tree in a festive shadow puppet show! Diwali has its roots in ancient India and the epic Ramayan. Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and Ravana come to life in the Ramleela Puppet Show. This famous epic story is a little mysterious, a little sad, but with a happy ending. The show will teach the meaning of true devotion, love, kindness and bravery, while learning why we celebrate Diwali.

2:00 p.m. Kathak dance with Parul Shah dance company

The Parul Shah Dance Company will perform a short performance by Kathak and then create a dance ensemble based on Diwali and how it is celebrated around the world. You and your family can participate in this virtual performance and demo from your own living room!

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14:40 Indian music with Raga Kids!

Raga Kids introduces children of all ages to classical South Asian music, learning about traditional instruments, singing together and exploring Raga and Tala. In this special performance, you will experience the violin, tabla, sitar, throat singing of Tuvan and the visual art of the wonderful teachers of Raga Kids. Sing along with them for their special Diwali performance as they perform the African American spiritual song This Little Light of Mine, celebrating the light within all of us. With Trina Basu, Arun Ramamurthy, Roshni Samlal, Neel Murgai and Bishakh Som.