Event

Diwali Fun for Kids

Sunday, October 26 - 2:30 to 5 PM

To celebrate Diwali or the Hindu "Festival of Lights" The Historic Old Church is presenting an afternoon of events for kids including crafts, stories, and songs. DJ Anjali will also be on hand to teach and host a Bollywood Dance Party.

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindu calendar, and is celebrated with much joy and excitement in India. The third day of this five day festival is called "Diwali" or "Festival of Lights." On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings.

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi brings good luck. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a favorite of women. Although she is worshipped daily, the month of October is dedicated to her.

2:30 to 3:30 Arts and Craft 3 tables with craft activities

- Draw and Decorate Lakshmi and Saraswati Goddess of wealth and Knowledge
- Learn how to draw Diwali Mandala Designs - Rangoli and Kolam
- Make a Diwali Paper Lamp - Origami

3:30 to 4:00 Diwali stories and songs

4:00 to 5:00 Bollywood Dance
Lesson with Anjali DJ followed by dance party with Anjali & the Kid

Learn to dance like a Bollywood star in a flash! DJ Anjali has been Portland's primary advocate and dance missionary for the many varied electronic sounds of the South Asian/desi diaspora. She introduced "bhangra" & "Bollywood" to the dance floors of Portland with her debut in 2000. Well known as dance floor instigators, she and her partner, The Incredible Kid, will teach the steps and have you dancing like a Bollywood star in no time.

Entry $5 per person

This is part of month of Diwali - Celebrating India's Festival of Light at The Old Church.