Seattle Center Announces Festál Lights of India, 10/21

Seattle Center Festál Diwali: Lights of India, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, in Seattle Center Armory, promotes the brilliance of Vedic culture through dazzling music and dance, tasty vegetarian Indian foods and a feast of fun, free participatory activities.

The newest member of the Festál series, now in its fifth year, recognizes the Indian festival of Diwali with luminous light and color. The festival begins with an opening ceremony, 12 p.m., on the Armory stage. Special guests include Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and Washington State Senator Patty Kuderer.

A special performance by Rajasthani Caravan, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., highlights the festival. This visiting troupe of hereditary performers from Rajasthan, India offers attendees a rare opportunity to experience a unique form of culture, high energy traditional Rajasthani folk dances accompanied by musicians who sing and play age-old traditional instruments in colorful traditional costumes.

Lights of India also presents classical Indian music and dance. A fashion show features dress-ups for the Indian Festival of Diwali. Several visual displays and participatory events, including Golu: Display of Traditional Dolls, children's games and activities, demonstrations on how to mix spices and decorate cupcakes, clay ganesha making, flower mandala design and the varied uses of Henna, allow festival-goers to explore the many cultural aspects of Diwali.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Diwali: Lights of India, visit www.facebook.com/vccfestivals, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.