October 5 | 2–4pm | Wavertree | $10
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 Magic Mike. 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!
Before the dancing begins, come early, between noon and 2pm, for a special Forging Maritime Metals blacksmith demonstration. In keeping with the Navratri tradition of tradespeople worshiping their tools, the Seaport Museum will highlight the vital role blacksmiths played during the Age of Sail. Learn about this important maritime trade and gain insight into the craftsmanship that kept historic vessels, like Wavertree, seaworthy.
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.
Seaport Museum members receive 20% off on all tickets. Just sign in when prompted at checkout to receive your discount.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
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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 serves as the iconic centerpiece of the bustling waterfront that shaped New York City into a modern metropolis
Extend Your Visit
General Admission to the Seaport Museum is included with your event tickets; you may attend the Museum anytime from 11am–5pm on the day of Navratri at the Seaport Museum. To extend your visit and see more that the Museum has to offer, ask Museum staff about our daily offerings when you check in.
General Admission includes access to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost.The 2024 sailing season will come to an end on Sunday, October 6!
The 2024 sailing season will come to an end on Sunday, October 6! There are still tickets available to sail New York Harbor on the 1885 schooner Pioneer and 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker and range from $15–$70.
Revised General Admission Schedule
The Seaport Museum will have modified access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree on Saturday, October 5 during Navratri at the Seaport Museum. Please see the schedule below for details:
11am–1:30pm: Pay What You Wish General Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, including Wavertree.
2–4pm: Pay What You Wish General Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, except Wavertree during Navratri at the Seaport Museum. Entrance to Wavertree at this time will be $10.
4–5pm: Pay What You Wish General Admission includes access to all Museum spaces, including Wavertree.
For guests looking to plan their visit around Pay What You Wish access, there will be additional tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose from 2pm to 4pm. That Ambrose tour schedule will be 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, and 3:30pm.
Bowne & Co. Stationers will be open from 11am to 5pm.
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.