A series of Indian holidays, encompassing Navratri (literally nine nights) and Diwali (or Deepavali, string of lights) are celebrated in September and October. There are many local events that invite you to join the circle (literally) of dance, live music, traditional clothing and festive community gatherings.
Navratri events for families
Navratri is a festival that spans nine colorful nights is celebrated throughout India for the triumph of goodness over evil. Similarly, Diwali is a five-day festival celebrating light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. Both holidays are heavily celebrated with rituals and preparations that you can read more about here.
Garba is a dance form, native to the state of Gujarat, now celebrated the world over to mark Navratri. Garba often takes place in concentric circles, with a lamp or a deity of the all-powerful female goddess Shakti, in the center.
These Navratri and Diwali events are some of the most kid-friendly garba events and are open to the public. Garba events tend to sell out, so buy tickets in advance. It is not necessary to wear traditional clothing to these celebrations, but it might be more fun. You can rent traditional Indian clothing or buy it if you want. Prepare your family with a garba tutorial and finally, enjoy!
Care for Children Dandiya, Fremont
Sponsor
When: Sept 14th from 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Centerville Jr. High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Website >
Gujarati Cultural Association (GCA) Bay Area Raas Garba, Fremont
When: Sept 27th from 8 pm – 11:45 pm
Where: Washington High School, 38442 Boulevard, Fremont
Website to RSVP >
Indian Student Organization at SJSU, San Jose
When: Sept 29th from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Student Union Ballroom at SJSU 211 S 9th St San Jose
Website to RSVP >
East Bay Family Garba, Oakland
When: Oct 5th from 4 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Golden Gate Recreation Center, 1075 62nd St, Oakland
What's great for families: This garba celebration has a huge playground right outside the rec center so kids can easily move between the two spaces. Dum Indian Soul food truck sells Indian street food outside and there is plenty of space to picnic along the playground. Toward the end, stick around for the kids who perform Navratri songs as well as incredible live music from Aanal & Achal Anjaria–Sharda throughout. Children two and under are FREE.
Website to buy tickets >
Sewa International Dandiya-Garba, San Jose
When: Oct 5th from 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Where: Silver Creek High School, 3434 Silver Creek Rd, San Jose
What's great for families: Celebrate 10+ years with a family friendly event of community dancing open to all. Learn new styles of garba from experts with onsite lessons, live music, dandiya, bhangra after 11:00 PM, food and festivities.
Website to buy tickets >
Jingle Garba by kids, Fremont
Sponsor
When: Oct 6th from 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Website >
Diwali events for families
More events coming soon. Diwali 2019 is October 27th.
Bay Area Diwali Festival of Lights, Cupertino
When: Oct 12th from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Memorial Park Cupertino 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd with free parking at De Anza College
What's great for families: FREE. The festival appeals to all the senses: delicious Indian food, music, and dancing featuring classical Kathak and Bharatanatyam to Bhangra and popular Bollywood dances. The Kids Zone is packed throughout the day with exciting activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, jump houses, face painting, and much more.
Find out more on Facebook >
Play Date's Diwali Celebration, Fremont
When: Oct 16th from 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Play Date Redefined, 4938 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
What's great for families: Play Date cordially invites you to a Diwali Celebration – an evening full of light, art, music and fun – in a lovely children's playspace. $30/child – No charge for accompanying adult.
Book your spot >
Diwali: Festival of Lights @ Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose
When: Oct 19th and 20th from noon to 4 pm
Where: Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way
What's great for families: Diwali celebration features performances, activities, and crafts that bring the Indian Festival of Lights to life along with all the other attractions of the museum itself. Activities include: Rangoli art activities, storytimes, lantern, and henna. NO TICKETS NEEDED. AS part of the museum's Cultural Celebration Series, it is included with Museum admission.
Find out more on Facebook >
Non Stop Bhangra Family-friendly Diwali Celebration, Alameda
When: Nov 16th from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave. Alameda
What's great for families: Go on a colorful journey with Non Stop Bhangra collective and experience a one-of-a-kind colorful evening featuring a dance lesson, beautiful dance performances, live drums, open floor music, henna, Indian food, and more. The event is family friendly and open to all ages.
Buy tickets in advance to save >
Remember to buy your tickets in advance, and let us know which celebrations you loved!
Leave a Reply