Celebrate the fall season with Diwali and HarvestFest at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is preparing for two festivals that staff say will be perfect for the family to celebrate the changing of seasons.

From noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, guests can celebrate the first Diwali at the Garden festival.

"Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness and it is a beautiful holiday, celebrated in different countries in Southeast Asia," Michelle Israel, director of exhibitions, told 8News.

Saturday's festival will feature folk dance performances, henna tattoos, authentic Indian cuisine, and a market. Artist Ruchi Gupta will also bring storytelling.

"We will have a puppet show that will be representing the history of the story between Rama and Ravana, and how that defeat - the light over darkness happens," Israel explained.

Diwali at the Garden will be included with general admission to the gardens and is free for members.

A full schedule of events and performers can be found on the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden website.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, guests can also enjoy the Garden's annual HarvestFest celebration.

A variety of fall activities will be offered, including pumpkin carving demonstrations, line dancing, pumpkin painting and food.

The Pollocks, a band based out of Charlottesville, will perform live from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HarvestFest is also included with general admissions to the gardens, and is free for members.