The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose has a reputation for honoring the diversity of Silicon Valley. Sponsored events include Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos, the Chinese Lunar New Year, and the Children of the Dragon Vietnamese heritage festival. Now the museum is holding its Second Annual Diwali Festival of Lights. The festival, whose name is translated to mean “row of lanterns,” is an important moment on the Hindu calendar and has various stories attached to it. One involves the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year exile. Another story involves Krishna and the battle to uphold the dharma. In sum, this is a family time when demons are vanquished and peace of mind re-established.
The two-day festival includes storytelling and lamp-making, traditional dance, rhythmic drumming; a fashion show, with models from the Harker School wearing both traditional and contemporary designs, food tasting, hand art, and the making of wall-hangings. Many people come in traditional clothing.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Nov. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $12 for adults and children (under 1, free); $11 for seniors.