Sunnyside's business district is marking the festival of lights. Sunnyside Shines, the neighborhood's business improvement district, is hosting a Diwali celebration on Friday, November 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39th Street.

The district says everyone is welcome, whether or not they celebrate Diwali themselves.

What is planned

  • Dance: cultural performances by the Antara Saha Dance Troupe and the Queensboro Dance Festival.
  • Henna: artists applying designs for guests.
  • Diya painting: a chance to decorate the small clay oil lamps that are lit across homes and streets during Diwali.
  • Food: treats from Cardamom.

Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains among others, centers on light: rows of lamps, candles and lanterns meant to mark the victory of light over darkness.

The celebration is one of a series of neighborhood events the district runs through the year, alongside its Día de Muertos program.

Next up: a holiday market in December

Three weeks later, Sunnyside Shines is holding its Sunnyside Holiday Market on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, from 1 to 6 p.m., pitched as a chance to shop local for the holidays. The district has not yet posted the location or the vendor list. Local small businesses that want a table can still apply through the sign-up form linked on the market's page.

Getting there

Sunnyside Community Services sits on 39th Street just south of Queens Boulevard. The nearest stop is 40th Street-Lowery Street on the 7 train, about a block away.

If you go

  • What: Diwali celebration with dance, henna, diya painting and treats
  • When: Friday, November 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39th Street, Sunnyside
  • Hosted by: Sunnyside Shines
  • Next: Sunnyside Holiday Market, December 5 and 6, 1 to 6 p.m.

Sources