Diwali at the National Maritime Museum

Meet our partners

For three years the National Maritime Museum has teamed up with Mehala Ford, founder of South Asian arts collective COMMONGROUND&, to curate Greenwich'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," Mehala adds. "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."

From traditional dances to group workshops, head to our redesigned Ocean Court space to take in the vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights include a Bharatanatyam performance by Hashna Siva. Known for blending traditional dance with hip-hop and contemporary styles, Hashna uses dance as a powerful language to express emotion, celebrate culture and bridge generations. 

Don’t miss Eternal Taal’s dance performance and workshop too. The UK’s leading all-female Bhangra entertainment team, the group will bring the energy of Punjab to the stage with powerful Dhol beats, vibrant dance performances and unforgettable vibes.  

Rangoli art

Location: Learning Space

Discover the beauty and symbolism of traditional Rangoli art in this hands-on workshop, led by artist and storyteller Ekta Mody from Story Beyond Lines. 

Learn about the origins and meaning behind this South Asian art form, then create your own colourful Rangoli design to mark Diwali. 

Diwali lantern-making 

Location: Rethink Space

Design and decorate your own lamp to illuminate our festive lantern parade at the end of the day.

Dress up for Diwali  

Location: Figureheads space, Ocean Court

Step into the spirit of Diwali by trying on a vibrant selection of traditional South Asian outfits. Whether you're reconnecting with cultural traditions or dressing up for the first time, this is a joyful opportunity to explore, celebrate and snap a festive photo. 

Puppet show 

Location: Lecture Theatre

See the epic story Ramayana brought to life in this unique show by StoryHour UK. After the screening, come and say hello to the puppets – and discover how they were made.

Storytelling  

Location: Voyagers gallery

Listen to storyteller Debbie Guneratne as she tells stories inspired by Diwali. 

Henna art 

Location: Seminar Room

Celebrate Diwali with intricate, hand-drawn henna art by creative collective, HuqThat. Rooted in tradition and sustainability, HuqThat honours the cultural and ecological significance of the henna plant in every design.  

Warrior women 

Location: Traders Gallery

Journey into the heart of the Sivaganga Kingdom in the 18th century, a once prosperous kingdom in Southern India, to uncover the stories of warrior women with Theeba Krishnamoorthy.

A Tamil multimedia artist and public health enthusiast, Theeba has a passion for storytelling – and platforming hidden voices.

SS Tilawa -   Sinking of The Indian Titanic 

Location: Traders Gallery

Find out about the forgotten tragedy of World War II, the sinking of the SS Tilawa in 1942 

Devi Mata Ahilya Bai, Queen of Malwa region

Location: Traders Gallery

Join this talk to find out about the 18th-century female ruler 

The day’s festivities culminate with a lantern parade through the Museum grounds, accompanied by the exhilarating beats of Eternal Taal’s Dhol drummers. 

Why not enjoy some delicious Diwali-inspired food at one of our Museum cafés, run by our onsite caterer, Benugo? 

You can also purchase Indian street food from our pop-up traders at the front of the Museum during the festival.