September 27 | 2–4pm | Wavertree | $15–$20
Join the Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree for one of New York City’s only public Navratri events—a vibrant and energetic Raas-Garba celebration aboard the historic 1885 tall ship Wavertree!
Anu Sehgal, founder and CEO of The Culture Tree, will kick off the afternoon festivities with an introduction to Navratri, the Hindu festival honoring the divine feminine. We will also learn the meaningful connections between Wavertree and India before picking up our dandiya sticks and dancing to the beats of traditional Gujarati music from DJ Tauba. The vibrant dance performance and workshop will be led by Shehnaaz Dance Academy, where they will bring this beautiful celebration to life with the stunning costumes and amazing choreography.
Whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned dancer, this event is open to everyone and welcomes those who want to learn. Dress in your best traditional attire if you’re feeling inspired, and join this unforgettable celebration on the main deck of this iron-hulled cargo ship!
The Museum will have a limited number of dandiya sticks available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure you can fully join the fun, we encourage you to bring your own if you have them.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, and joy! Advanced registration is encouraged for this event but walkups will be accommodated as possible. Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck. The lower decks are accessible via stairs, while the upper deck requires navigating steep ladder-like stairs.
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 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past, Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.”
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Admission to the historic ships and exhibition galleries at the Seaport Museum is included with your tickets; you may visit any time from 11am–5pm on the day of your program.
Museum admission tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 as well as all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street.
Admission tickets also include entry to the new Maritime City exhibition in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street.
Revised General Admission Schedule
The Seaport Museum will have modified access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree on Saturday, September 27 during Navratri at the Seaport Museum. Please see the schedule below for details:
11am–1:30pm: Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, including Wavertree.
2–4pm: Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, except Wavertree during Navratri at the Seaport Museum. Entrance to Wavertree at this time will be $15–$20.
4–5pm: Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, including Wavertree.
For guests planning their visit, Bowne & Co. Stationers as well as all current exhibitions on view in A.A. Thomson & Co. and Schermerhorn Row will be open from 11am to 5pm. Guided tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose will be offered from 11:30am to 3:30pm.
South Street Seaport Museum
By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.
By water: The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11. The Staten Island Ferry provides services to Whitehall Terminal.
Parking: Parking lots can be found at Front and John Streets, as well as 294 Pearl Street.