MOAPIA Diwali Celebration 2026 on North Capitol Street

The Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs is listing its annual Diwali Celebration for Friday, November 6, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 899 North Capitol Street NE. Free with RSVP on the Mayor's Office Eventbrite page or the short DC link s.dc.gov/Diwali26. Hindus for Human Rights co-hosts. SALDEF is also named on partner listings. The evening includes Indian classical music and dance, remarks from community and faith leaders across South Asian traditions, a diya lighting ceremony, community and craft tables, and food from a local South Asian restaurant.

Two hours is the whole public card. Arrive near 6:00 if the diya lighting and opening remarks are why you came. Stay through the performances if the stage is the point. Dress festive for a civic reception room. Bring a photo ID if the door asks for the RSVP name match. North Capitol near H Street is Metro-accessible; Union Station is the closest heavy rail pin for many households coming from Maryland or Virginia. The room is a government community space, so expect security screening energy and a schedule that starts on time. Food is reception refreshments, not a full dinner, so eat before you arrive if you need a real meal.

The same Friday, Asia After Dark Diwali runs 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Asian Art on the Mall. The two District cards sit on opposite sides of downtown. Pick MOAPIA for the mayor's office reception and civic networking. Pick the Mall for a longer museum night with crafts and plaza food. BAPS Beltsville holds Chopda Pujan Sunday. Durga Temple Fairfax Station is Sunday evening Mahalakshmi Puja. Cedar Lane Bethesda lands the following Sunday as a community Diwali with vendors.

Transit tip: Red Line to Union Station plus a short walk or bus hop beats driving into NoMa on a Friday evening. If rideshare is the plan, set the pin to 899 North Capitol rather than a nearby hotel lobby that looks similar on the map.

Who this is for: DC residents and close-in Maryland and Virginia families who want a free civic Diwali with an RSVP, including first-time guests invited by Hindus for Human Rights or SALDEF. Beltsville covers Chopda Pujan on Sunday if that is the ritual you keep. Asia After Dark is the clearer Mall option the same Friday if you wanted a longer museum night.

RSVP before you go; capacity-managed civic rooms fill. Confirm any last door note on Eventbrite Friday afternoon. If your group also wants Asia After Dark, send different people or pick one District Friday rather than sprinting between North Capitol and the Mall.

When: November 6, 2026 (6:00–8:00 p.m.; free with RSVP)
Where: 899 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002

RSVP on Eventbrite or via s.dc.gov/Diwali26.