Back by popular demand, Diwali Lights returns to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill on November 19 from 6 – 9 PM. This celebration of the Indian festival of Diwali, which denotes the triumph of light over darkness, is organized in collaboration with the India Society of Worcester (ISW), the most vibrant Indian cultural organization in MetroWest.

One of the major festivals of India, Diwali gets its name from the row of lights that illuminate homes to signify the path from darkness to light. Diwali is often celebrated over five days between mid-October and mid-November. The Diwali Lights celebration at New England Botanic Garden will feature illuminated gardens as well as traditional rangoli patterns, elaborate designs made with materials like colored sand and flowers. Activities will include Indian dance performances, a henna artist applying temporary tattoos, a mini bazaar with heritage jewelry and accessories from India, opportunities to learn about plants native to India, and more. Authentic Indian dishes, from famed caterer, Bawarchi Biryani, will be available for purchase. The ISW Symphony Dhol Tasha Lezim, a group comprising of three types of drums and dancers using Lezim with jingling cymbals, will perform outdoors.

“We are excited to partner again with New England Botanic Garden to celebrate Diwali, and we’re thrilled that this year the event will also include opportunities to experience The Ramble, a beautiful, accessible garden for children and families,” said Shiamin Melville, ISW coordinator for the event. “The lit-up gardens bring back memories of sparkling Diwali nights for many of us. We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with the greater Worcester community.”

“Last year’s Diwali festival at the Garden was a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Indian culture with food, music, dance, and art. The event was special for everyone who attended,” said Grace Elton, CEO of New England Botanic Garden. “We are proud to partner with the India Society of Worcester to host Diwali Lights again this year.”

In 2021, the Diwali Lights celebration at the Garden was so popular it sold out. Tickets are on sale now at the New England Botanic Garden website with discounts for ISW and Garden members. ISW members can get a promotional code at the ISW Website. For more information about New England Botanic Garden or Diwali Lights, contact Public Relations Manager, Liz Nye at lnye@nebg.org.

Photo Credit: Diwali Lights 2021, Photo by Mala Lam

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About New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a nonprofit organization located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts. A regional destination, we are operated on 171 acres by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, and are open to the public for garden viewing, trail walking, activities, private events, educational classes, weddings, exhibitions, and more. We are an AAM-accredited museum that includes an irreplaceable collection of plants. We hope to engage you in a life-long passion for growing plants for their ornamental, economic, and ecological value. Learn all about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill including its history, mission, and its staff, please visit www.nebg.org.

About the India Society of Worcester

The India Society of Worcester, affectionately known as the ISW, is one of New England's most vibrant Indian associations. It is primarily a cultural, social, educational, and charitable organization, with a weekly free Health Stop and Language school. Since its establishment in 1963, the ISW has become a conduit of Indian culture for young Indians born in the U.S.A., as well as the local communities in the region.  It is an outlet where the young and the old can showcase their talents. Recently, the ISW opened a newly expanded center, a space that allows the organization to offer more programs as well as new initiatives including art and creative programs, sports, leadership and professional development classes, and more. The ISW also collaborates with other Indian organizations in the region and acts as an advocate for many global and community causes. The multidimensional nature of the ISW has drawn local city and state authorities, as well as businesses to the society. Today, the ISW is one of the most renowned organizations representing the Indian Community.

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