Lab’s Desi Culture Group will host a Diwali celebration Oct. 24, from 5-7 p.m. in Gordon Parks Arts Hall to celebrate traditions with crafts, holiday dishes, live music and more. 

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a five-day holiday that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The holiday has a rich religious and mythological history, but it has become a cultural holiday celebrated across India, as well as having variations among other religions in India. 

For Madhumita Chak, a Lab parent and member of the Desi Culture Group, the decade-long tradition is a way to bring the community together and celebrate with friends and family. 

This year’s celebration will be themed around Diwali melas, or carnivals. It will include stalls with different activities, foods, art, crafts and a children’s traditional dress swap, where families can bring their children’s traditional Indian dress. The festival will also include rangoli, a traditional decoration of patterns made with sand, flowers and tea lights. 

“It’s not just limited to the Indian diaspora or South Asian community,” Ms. Chak said. “We would love for everyone to come and to see how we celebrate.”

Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Tickets are for sale through a form, $10 for students and $20 for adults, with payments to the Desi Culture Group through Zelle.