DIWALI LIGHTS
at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in partnership with India Society of Worcester
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2024 | 4–10pm
Thank you for joining us for our Diwali Lights. We kicked off this season of Night Lights with a special cultural celebration! In partnership with the India Society of Worcester, join us in celebrating Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights.’ A wonderful evening of Indian cultural programs, delicious Indian food, shopping local vendors, henna, and more amidst the colorful cascade of lights.
ALL EVENING ACTIVITIES
- Rangoli Art Display
- Indian Culture Table Display
- ISW Info/Registration Table
- Henna
- Chess
- Southeast Asian Plants Scavenger Hunt
- Art Activities for All Ages
- Bazaar Artisan Vendors
TIMED ACTIVITIES
5–5:20pm — Cultural Programming with Dance and Music
5:30pm — Indian Carnatic Vocal Workshop
6:30–6:50pm – Cultural Programming with Dance and Music
7–7:20pm — Cultural Programming with Dance and Music
7:30pm — Dhol (drum) Performance Presented by ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim
8:30–8:50pm — Cultural Programming with Dance and Music
*This event is SOLD OUT
| NON-MEMBER PRICING | Diwali Lights |
|---|---|
| ADULTS | $25 |
| SENIORS (65+) | $22 |
| NON-MEMBER CHILD (Age 4–12) MEMBER CHILD (Age 4-18) |
$15 |
| CHILD (Age 3 and UNDER) Tickets required |
Free |
| Members receive a 25% discount and early tickets access beginning October 16. Click here to become a member. |
|---|
NEW! ENJOY OUR NEW OUTDOOR GLICE SKATING RINK
Enhance your Diwali Lights experience by gliding to your heart’s content on our new outdoor skating rink. This exciting addition includes a skate rental, concessions stand, and spectator’s deck. Admission to the skating rink is $6 per person for everyone over age three and available on a first–come, first–served basis. Learn more.
FAQs
Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated in India. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik. Diwali or Deepavali gets its name from the row of diyas (clay lamps) that Indians light in their homes to illuminate their way to knowledge. On Diwali, houses are decorated inside and outside with flowers, lit diyas (clay lamps), and lights. In addition, the floors inside and out are covered with rangoli, consisting of elaborate designs made with colored sand or flower petals. People dress up in Indian traditional outfits, light sparklers, enjoy a feast with family and friends, and share mithai (Indian sweets) and gifts with each other on this joyous festival.
Indoors, visitors can enjoy programs and performances showcasing Indian culture, including shopping local artisan vendors, Indian food, music and dance performances, henna, and more.
We ask that you arrive as close to your selected arrival time as possible. We have staggered visitor arrival times in 30-minute increments to make for a better visitor experience. Once you are checked-in you may stay until the event closes at 10:00pm.
When you select an arrival time, you are choosing what time you would like to walk through the main entrance of the Visitor Center. There will be timed performances that occur throughout the event, though the exhibit will stay the same and many other activities will be available throughout the whole evening. The Café, Garden Shop, and Restrooms are not accessible before your arrival time.
After parking and gathering your party, proceed up the path and into the Visitors Center. Please have your printed or digital email confirmation ready for our front desk staff to check you in.
Indian food and drink specials will be available for purchase during the event. Click here to view the Menu.
Please note that seating is very limited during this event and we do not recommend bringing a picnic dinner. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.
Enhance your visit with a S’mores Kit, the quintessential Night Lights treat! The S’mores Kit includes fresh ingredients for one delicious s’more, including graham crackers, chocolate, and a marshmallow. Sticks will be provided at each fire pit. $3.75 per package including tax. Reserve your S’mores Kit when purchasing your admission tickets and skip the concession line!
Tickets for Diwali Lights are non-refundable and only valid for entry on the date and time listed on the confirmation email. If you are unable to attend at your selected time you do have a few options:
- If tickets are available for another evening of Night Lights, you can reschedule your tickets by calling 508-869-6745. There is a $10.00 transaction fee for all rescheduled tickets. Tickets may only be rescheduled by 5:00pm the day before your ticket date and for as long as there are tickets available on a different date. Once we are sold out, tickets cannot be rescheduled.
- Give your tickets to someone else. Please note that individual tickets may only be redeemed for a single ticketed admission to Night Lights of equal or lesser value.
- Return your tickets to New England Botanic Garden as a donation to our nonprofit, receiving a tax-deductible receipt in return. To take advantage of this offer, you must email development@nebg.org no later than the visit date listed on your confirmation email.