India’s epic five-day celebration of Diwali (or Deepavali in South India) runs from Friday, November 10 to Tuesday, November 14 this year. The biggest day of festivities falls on Sunday, November 12.
Traditions tied to the popular Indian holiday include lighting up oil lamps called diyas, puja performances, blasting off fireworks, and decorating homes. The annual festival is also a time to gather with friends and family for a good meal marked by plenty of sweets.
Here’s a running list of local restaurants celebrating Diwali.
National Museum of Asian Art
1100 Jefferson Drive SW
On Sunday, November 5, the D.C. museum lights up in honor of Diwali with a pre-festival celebration full of food and sweets, performances, craft-making sessions, and more. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Freer Plaza, enjoy cuisine from local Indian food vendors including Rasa, DC Dosa, Trini Vybez, and Himalayan Soul Food. Try a sampling of traditional Diwali sweets from Swaadish by Neelma in gallery 27, located outside of the shop in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
Water Park at National Landing
1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia
The new all-outdoor dining destination near Amazon HQ2 celebrates the Hindu festival of lights on Friday, November 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. In partnership with DC Dosa, one of the many kiosks at Water Park, guests can enjoy traditional sweets, music, and dance. Floating lanterns and sparklers will grace the park and Kalanidhi Dance will perform at Water Park’s stage area.
Karma Modern Indian and Kismet Modern Indian
611 I Street NW; 111 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, Virginia
Penn Quarter’s Bib Gourmand-designated Karma Modern Indian and sibling Kismet, its casual new offshoot in Old Town, celebrate Diwali all weekend long with treats from chef and New Delhi native Ajay Kumar. On Sunday, November 12, both restaurants will dish out sweets to guests. Everyone dining on-site that night will receive complimentary coconut medallions.
Bombay Street Food
151 American Way, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Bombay-born restaurateur Asad Sheikh’s National Harbor location rings in Diwali with free mango lassis for customers all week. “Just come in, ask the server, and say, ‘happy Diwali,’” Sheikh tells Eater. Bombay Street Food specializes in thali — a popular order during Diwali — all year. The sharable platters feature an assortment of curries, vegetables, bread, and rice.
Rasa
Multiple locations
In honor of Diwali on Sunday, November 12, the fast-casual counter for Indian bowls in D.C. (Navy Yard, Mt. Vernon Triangle), Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax), and Maryland (Rockville) offers diners a sweet treat on the house. Wish the team a “Happy Diwali” at the register and get complimentary masala chai cookies any in-store purchase. For online orders that day, use promo code HAPPYDIWALI at checkout to redeem the freebie.
Indique
3512 Connecticut Avenue NW
The modern Indian mainstay in Cleveland Park celebrates the holiday with a sharable thali platter ($30) and a vegetarian option for $28.
Bombay Club
815 Connecticut Avenue NW
Diwali at Ashok Bajaj’s decades-old Bombay Club calls for a sea of dinnertime specials ($7-$38) on Sunday, November 12. Opt for paneer mushroom korma, dum ka lobster, vegetarian biryani, and crab korma from executive chef Nilesh Singhvi. Guests can enjoy Indian petit fours at the conclusion of their meal.
Rasika
Bajaj’s beloved Rasika in Penn Quarter and the West End prepares a special a la carte menu on Saturday, November 11 to Sunday, November 12. Led by group executive chef Vikram Sunderam, the menu features a parade of starters like khumb ke gilawat with smoked mushroom, cashews, saffron, and mint chutney and mains like tandoori lamb shank; murgh rezala with chicken, walnut, caramelized onions, and saffron; or tandoori chicken with saffron. All entrees come with gucchi pulao. For a sweet ending, guests can opt for fig, dates, and coconut custard. Specials at both are priced from $12 to $34 each. Multiple locations