Free Essential Information Type Events and festivals Location National Maritime Museum Date and Times Saturday 11 November 2023 | 11.30am-5pm Prices Free Book free National Maritime Museum tickets Plan your visit Join us at the National Maritime Museum for a fantastic family-friendly celebration of Diwali, featuring free live performances, workshops, talks, a lantern parade and more. We've once again teamed up with Mehala Ford, founder of south Asian arts collective COMMONGROUND&, to curate this year's celebrations. All events on the day are free. You can book Museum tickets in advance to guarantee entry, or simply turn up and join in. See what's on below, with more details announced soon. Plus, watch the highlights of our spectacular Diwali 2022 event below, to get a flavour of the fun you can expect this year! What's on Performances Family fun Workshops for adults and young people Talks Displays Planetarium shows Lantern parade Plan your visit Image Performances Rajasthani performance and workshop with Akademi 2pm | Great Map | Suitable for all ages and abilities Akademi will be performing and leading an interactive workshop of folk dances from Rajasthan in North-Western India. Rajasthan is known for its glorious royal history, bright colours and ancient creative arts set beautifully against the backdrop of the Thar desert. The folk music and dances from this region, mostly originating in the local tribes, are a vital part of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and were mainly used to entertain kings and other royals. Folk songs are commonly ballads narrating heroic deeds and love stories, and religious or devotional songs. The three artists will give you a glimpse of Ghoomar, Chirmi and Terahtaali forms of dance in this high-energy show. And that’s not all, you'll have the opportunity to learn a few moves yourself and practice them to the music! Photo by Christopher Wilton-Steer Image Story Hour Puppet Theatre 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm | Lecture Theatre Come and watch a screening of Story Hour Puppet Theatre's Diwali story, and get the chance to meet the puppets and puppeteers too. DJ set by Tara Kumar 3pm | Great Map Head to the Great Map for music DJ'd by tastemaker and Irish-Indian-Malaysian DJ Tara Kumar (pictured). Image Family fun Diwali diyas 11.30am-3.30pm (last entry 3.15pm) | Rethink Space | Suitable for all ages and abilities Diyas are traditional light holders used in Diwali celebrations. In this workshop you can make a lantern for the sunset Diwali lantern parade in the Museum grounds. Don't forget to bring your own electric tealight or buy one from our shop to light up your creation! Rangoli workshop 11.30am-4pm | Learning Space | Suitable for all ages and abilities Join artist Rohit Rajaguru to create your own rangoli to take home. Beginners yoga 12pm | Great Map | Suitable for all ages and abilities Join Angie Tiwari for a beginner yoga session under the sky. This is open to all levels incorporating movement, meditation and breathwork. We recommend wearing something comfortable that you can move freely in. Yoga mats will be provided and set up for you, so just bring yourselves and an open mind! No previous experience is necessary, no specialist clothing needed and a seated alternative is available. Rajasthani workshop with Akademie 2pm | Great Map | Suitable for all ages and abilities If watching Akademie's dancers has got you inspired, join their Rajasthani folk dance workshop and give their moves a go yourself! Image Crafts and workshops for adults and young people Shine Your Light customisation workshop 11.30am-4pm | Propeller Space | Suitable for young people aged 11+ Come along to a customisation workshop inspired by Diwali and focusing on positive affirmations. Come and shine your light! The Alchemy of Identity 12-1pm and 3-4pm | Group Space | Suitable for adults Inspired by a transpersonal exploration of cultural heritage through creative imagination, poetry, art and collage, create your own personal 'identity flag' reflecting how all your cultural influences come together. Future Drape 2-3pm | Group Space | Suitable for adults Mehala Ford, founder of Friday Sari Project Store, will teach you modern sari drape and styling. Bring your own sari along or borrow one to join in. Image Talks South Asian connections in our collections 11.30am-12.30pm and 2-3pm | Sammy Ofer Wing | Drop-in Join a Royal Museums Greenwich curator to see fascinating images from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and beyond. See art and photography from our collection that isn’t currently on display or available online yet. Art and Spirituality 12.30-2pm | Lecture Theatre Shreena Patel, an award-winning abstract artist from London, will be delivering a presentation on Diwali from an artistic perspective. Her talk will explore colour theory and the profound connections between art and spirituality. Drop in at any time. The Science of Breathwork 1.30pm | Lecture Theatre Join Angie Tiwari (pictured) for a talk on how she got into yoga and how to utilise your breath to completely change your life. She will share the power behind our breath, and techniques you can take away to reduce stress, improve your sleep and boost your digestion. Image courtesy of Angie Tiwari Image Displays Pioneers: A Renaissance in South Asian Creativity Great Map | All day As part of Royal Museums Greenwich’s first celebration connected to South Asian Heritage Month, the Museum commissioned Mehala Ford, founder of CommonGround&, to respond to the representation of South Asian history and culture in the National Maritime Museum. The result is a series of portraits of South Asian creative individuals, photographed around historic Greenwich, which are now on display. From musicians and artists to writers, entrepreneurs, directors and designers, all these people are pioneers: breaking new ground and inspiring a renaissance in South Asian creativity. Learn more about Pioneers Rangoli by Rohit Rajaguru Downstairs in the Sammy Ofer Wing | On display from 9 November Enjoy a beautiful rangoli designed by Rohit Rajaguru. Art by Shreena Screens throughout the Museum | All day Explore beautiful abstract deities and contemporary pieces by Shreena Patel displayed on digital screens at the Museum. Photo by Alia Romagnoli Image Lantern parade 4pm | Departing from the Parkside entrance of the Museum As the sun sets, join an outdoor parade accompanied by Rhythm N Bass drummers. The parade will weave through the Museum's grounds, ending with an alternative pop performance by NEO 10Y who will manifest peace and love, and build a collective connection to close the National Maritime Museum's celebration of the Festival of Light. The parade will have level access, but with some incline. Please bring your own lanterns and electric lights or torches only. Diwali at the National Maritime Museum Mehala Ford, founder of COMMONGROUND& (photo © Mathushaa Sagthidas) The National Maritime Museum is again teaming up with Mehala Ford, founder of south Asian arts collective COMMONGROUND&, to curate this year's Diwali celebrations. "Diwali is a festival that celebrates new beginnings, wealth and prosperity and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is observed around the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains," she explains. "Shared rituals and ceremonies, such as those that take place at Diwali, can offer us a sense of belonging. New rituals and ceremonies are emerging and old ones are being revised to include people who do not identify themselves as traditionally religious, bringing people together based on a sense of community, rather than shared religious beliefs." This year's theme is Shine Your Light: a chance, in Mehala's words, "to celebrate the light within all of us, highlighting creativity, joy and well-being." Plan your visit Do I need to book in advance? All events on the day are free. You are welcome to book free National Maritime Museum tickets in advance (select 11 November using the tickets calendar), or just turn up on the day - find out more about planning your visit here. How do I get there? The National Maritime Museum is a quick, easy journey from central London, and right in the heart of historic Greenwich. Check this page for more information about arriving by public transport or by car. You can find a free map here to help guide you round the National Maritime Museum when you arrive. Anything else I need to know? Please make sure to bring torches or electric tealights if you want to light up your diyas during the lantern parade: no open flames are allowed within the Museum or grounds. The Great Map and surrounding area may be quite loud during live performances. If you struggle with loud noises, you can borrow ear defenders from our Welcome desk or ask staff to direct you to a quieter area. Tickets and Opening Free entry Book free tickets Saturday 11 November 11.30am - 5pm Greenwich Station Cutty Sark DLR Maze Hill Station Greenwich Pier View on map Directions via Public Transport Directions from your location Never miss a moment Sign up to our newsletter and receive all the latest news, stories and events from the National Maritime Museum. Sign up What’s On Diwali: Shine Your Light is part of the Season of Identity at Royal Museums Greenwich, exploring how Britain’s global connections and identities have shaped who we are today. Free displays | Identity Pioneers: A Renaissance in South Asian Creativity A series of portraits of South Asian creative individuals, on display at the National Maritime Museum. Are you ready to meet the pioneers? Open daily | 10am-5pm Free National Maritime Museum Talks and tours | Identity Seeing Ourselves: Sharon Walters in conversation with... Rudy Loewe Join artists Sharon Walters and Rudy Loewe for a discussion exploring representation in museum spaces CANCELLED Free Entry National Maritime Museum Family fun | Identity SENsory Social Club Join the weekly online club for adults and young people with SEND Friday during term time| 11am (Online session) or 1pm (Onsite session) Pay what you can Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre Workshops | Identity Make, Do and Maintain Join our community of makers at The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre First Saturday of every month | 10:30am-12:00pm Free (+ £1.00 booking fee) Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre Talks and tours | Identity Open Mic Poetry: This is Who We Are Whether you are an experienced writer or an aspiring poet or just want to hear Jenny Mitchell launch her new collection come along to our OPEN MIC event Saturday 2 December | 2pm-4pm Pay what you can: £3, £5 or £8 National Maritime Museum Workshops | Identity Writing Workshop: Poetry and Freedom A relaxed workshop themed around freedom and identity Thursday 7 December | 10.30am to 12.30pm Free National Maritime Museum Planetarium shows | Identity Astronomy and Islam Join us for a special show featuring the New Crescent Moon and historic Islamic astronomy. Select Saturdays and Sundays | 10.30am £10 Adult | £5 Child Royal Observatory Planetarium shows | Bilingual Families À Descoberta do Sistema Solar Join us for a planetarium show in Portuguese, presented live by an astronomer 10 December 2023 | 10.30am Adult £10 | Child £5 Royal Observatory Talks and tours | Identity Seeing Ourselves: Sharon Walters in conversation with... Ekow Eshun Join artist Sharon Walters and journalist Ekow Eshun for a discussion exploring representation in museum spaces Wednesday 13 December 2023 | 6pm-8pm Pay what you can National Maritime Museum Planetarium shows | Identity Chinese Astronomy From stars to space exploration, explore ancient and modern Chinese astronomy in this live planetarium show Saturday 16 December 2023 | 10.30am Adult £10 | Child £5 Royal Observatory Events and festivals | Identity LGBTQ+ History Month Join us this February for a spectacular series of events celebrating queer histories, cultures and communities Throughout February Free Entry In Greenwich Events and festivals | Identity Lunar New Year Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a whole host of Lunar New Year activities, videos and performances Saturday 3 February 2024 Free National Maritime Museum Events and festivals | Identity Women's History Month 2024 From fearless fighters to female activists, join us to celebrate the contributions and resilience of women throughout history Throughout March Free Entry National Maritime Museum Collections India in Greenwich Delve into our collection and discover objects relating to India Find out more Display Pioneers: A Renaissance in South Asian Creativity A series of portraits of South Asian creative individuals, on display at the National Maritime Museum. Are you ready to meet the pioneers? Find out more Planetarium show South Asian Astronomy: Diwali Special Celebrate the festival of light by learning about South Asian connections to the objects that light up our night skies Find out more Visit the National Maritime Museum Discover epic stories of exploration and endeavour that have shaped our world today Visit now Plan your visit Our partners COMMONGROUND& offers a showcase for South Asian creatives across a broad range of disciplines. The collective allows artists and creatives of South Asian heritage to express themselves and show their work. Royal Museums Greenwich Close Choose your tickets All events on the day are free. You are welcome to book free National Maritime tickets in advance to guarantee entry, or just turn up on the day - find out more about planning your visit here. 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