PHOTOS: Diwali at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens welcomed visitors to experience the vibrant celebration of Diwali at The Garden 2024. Diwali at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (8News) 8News spoke with Michelle Israel, Director of Exhibitions at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, who shared insight about the celebration of Diwali "The Festival of Lights." "Today we have Diwali, so we're celebrating this beautiful holiday, which represents the victory of light over darkness -- of good over evil," said Israel. Diwali at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (8News) The garden was transformed into a vibrant scene adorned with traditional Indian decorations, featuring dazzling lights and radiant lanterns. Whether attendees were familiar with Diwali or experiencing it for the first time, the garden offered a warm environment for all to celebrate the light of the season. "This event is very welcoming to either people that celebrate the holiday because of their tradition, but also people who want to learn about other cultures," said Israel. "We've seen a lot of people asking questions, being curious, and I feel like when you understand other cultures it makes humankind better, because then we have more empathy." The event featured food, musical performances, an artisan market, henna art, Bollywood dancers and more. For other events happening at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, visit the website.