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.

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.