Third Annual Diwali-Festival of Lights October 19 & 20 Astounds Parents

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose's spectacular Diwali celebrations awed and wooed the audiences with its true and enriching kid related activities and events. The event is designed to engage the entire community in activities reflective of South Asian traditions. Each day emcees from Radio Dehotties lead visitors on a delightful journey of moving and colorful performances including classical, semi-classical, bhangra, raas, garba and so on. The annual fashion show choreographed by Usha Panja and modeled by the Harker students proved to be a major hit. In addition, the California Teen Ambassoderess Sindhu Ravuri gave a gut-wrencing speech on child sex trafficking prelevant in India and the world. “Sex-trafficking became the second most lucrative underworld business worldwide and this needs to be changed,” she said emotionally. Audiences' reaction was passionate.

Visitors participated in a Dandia demonstration by Srividya's Xpressions, got captivated by classical dances, and wowed at the vivid colors of Kushi fashion show. Throughout the museum guests watched a Rangoli design come to life, sample traditional sweets, hear folktales, and engaged in art activities that reflected diverse facets of the culture. Sandeep Singh lead the audiences to the stage with his powerful and enthralling Dhol beats.

In addition, children learned to make Diwali diya lamps and Dandia Sticks, hear stories about Diwali, and help create colorful decorative chalk rangoli designs in the portico outside the Museum.

“We loved the event,” said Dhannunjay and Ketaki who came with their kids. “It is different from other events in the sense that it is truly meant for kids. So much to learn for the kids. From diya making to Dandiya dance, they loved it all. Nothing commercial or unnecessary booths. We simply loved it.”

Children's Discovery Museum is committed to promoting the culture and diversity of the Bay region. Diwali festivities join a host of other cultural events at the Museum such Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos, a Latino celebration; Chinese Lunar New Year; and the Children of the Dragon Vietnamese heritage festival. Through exploring the traditions of Diwali with the community, Children's Discovery Museum provides families of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about the rich fabric of culture and traditions in Silicon Valley.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose has been ranked by Child Magazine as one of the top 10 children’s museums in the U.S. and selected by the London Observer as one of the top 5 science centers in the world. Since opening its doors in 1990, CDM has welcomed over 5 million visitors and has offered new interactive exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs. The striking 52,000 square foot purple building was designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta, and is a beacon of discovery. Encompassing the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, interactive exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations, while programs such as BioSITE and Discovery Youth provide facilitated, focused, and sustained learning. For more information about the Museum, visit www.cdm.org.

Children's Discovery Museum is committed to promoting the culture and diversity of our region. Diwali festivities join a host of other cultural events at the Museum such Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos, a Latino celebration; Chinese Lunar New Year; and the Children of the Dragon Vietnamese heritage festival. Through exploring the traditions of Diwali with the community, Children's Discovery Museum provides families of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about the rich fabric of culture and traditions in Silicon Valley