March 24 | 11am–5pm | Free General Admission
Due to inclement weather forecast for Saturday, March 23, the annual Holi Celebration will now take place this Sunday, March 24. Tickets for the original date do not automatically transfer to the new date. Secure your free General Admission and Foods of Holi tickets for the new date by registering for each offering below.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi at the South Street Seaport community celebration! Enjoy free General Admission to the Seaport Museum to explore the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street and the historic ships at Pier 16 throughout the day.
The festivities commence at 11am aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, where you’ll discover the culinary delights of Holi and savor a tasty treat. The celebration continues on Seaport Square, featuring the Colors of Krishna’s Love puppet show, which shares the history of Holi; interactive dance workshops and performances; and the iconic throwing of colorful pigments––the quintessential part of Holi.
After the colorful revelry, head to Pier 16 and participate in the creation of a collaborative mural inspired by the balloon fights that characterize Holi celebrations across India.
These activities, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree and the Seaport, promise a day filled with cultural richness, interactive experiences, and the shared spirit of Holi.
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Foods of Holi
March 24 | 11am | Wavertree | Free
Begin the Holi celebration with a family-friendly book reading and a captivating talk on the traditional foods of Holi by Priya Krishna, an award-winning food reporter for The New York Times. Priya will share insights from her new book, Priya’s Kitchen Adventures, an illustrated cookbook for kids and parents that draws inspiration from her childhood experiences traveling the globe with her family.
Following the reading, there will be an interactive cooking segment led by Anu Sehgal, founder and CEO of The Culture Tree, which will culminate in a tasting of Shahi Toast, a sweet Holi delicacy. Participants will also receive the recipe to recreate this treat at home.
Advanced registration is encouraged for this free family program but walkups will be accommodated as possible. In case registration is full, try our in-person cancellation line starting at 9:30am. Please be aware that the treat contains nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Holi Collaborative Mural
March 24 | 11am–5pm | Pier 16 | Free with General Admission
Visitors of all ages are invited to continue the Holi celebration on Pier 16 with the Museum by joining in to create a vibrant collaborative mural inspired by the colorful pigment and balloon fights of the annual festival.
Every participant will be provided with a colorful paintball to add their touch to the mural, creating a collective masterpiece. Let’s roll up our sleeves together and celebrate the kaleidoscope of colors that define Holi.
Supplies are limited. This activity takes place outdoors at Pier 16 and walkups are welcome. No additional registration required.
A Brief History of Holi
Holi originated on the Indian Subcontinent as a vibrant festival of colors, symbolizing the onset of Spring. Today, this joyous celebration has transcended borders and is embraced worldwide as a spirited way to welcome the season, promote inclusivity, and revel in playful and colorful festivities.
About The Culture Tree
The Culture Tree provides South Asian themed educational and cultural programs that enrich the lives of children and their families and promotes a deeper connection with their roots and the world around them. We use language, art, puppet shows, dance, food and the holidays to provide an immersive experience.
About the Neighborhood Celebration
Colorful puppets. Dances. Drummers. Delicious food and powder play. The annual Holi celebration lets us shake off the winter blues and celebrate the arrival of spring. This year, you to join the celebration of the traditional Indian festival of colors on Sunday, March 24, from 11:00am–1:00pm.
Please note: Make sure to enjoy the Museum’s ships and galleries before joining in the throwing of colors. To ensure the care of the Seaport Museum collection, historic buildings, and ships, individuals covered in colorful pigment will not be able to come inside the Museum.
About the Foods of Holi Speakers
Priya Krishna is a food reporter and video host for The New York Times and the bestselling author of multiple cookbooks including Indian-ish and Cooking at Home. Her stories have been included in the 2019 and 2021 editions of The Best American Food Writing and in 2021, she was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. She is originally from Dallas, Texas, which happens to be one of the busiest travel hubs in the world.
Anu Seghal is the founder and CEO of The Culture Tree. She grew up in India and moved to the US more than 25 years ago. After the move, she was starved for authentic Indian experiences and community and devoured anything that came her way: film festivals, exhibits, book readings etc. Once she became a mother, the lack of quality and authentic Indian programs and classes became even more evident. She is an active parent and believes an awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. She also recognizes the immense benefits of being bilingual.
As a cultural educator, she looks forward to providing children with authentic, immersive and inspiring experiences. Through classes and events, we can offer cross-cultural exposure that can help shape knowledgeable, open-minded and respectful individuals.