The Saratoga Library on Saturday, Nov. 7, is hosting two Diwali programs, part of a run of Festival of Lights events across the Santa Clara County Library District this month.
From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., henna artists from ShilpaKala Arts will apply simple designs to visitors' hands, and visitors can paint and decorate their own diya, the small clay oil lamp lit during the holiday. Both are offered on a first-come basis until materials run out, according to the library's event listings.
At 3 p.m., the library holds an hour-long family Bollywood dance party. Organizers say no dance experience is needed and the session is aimed at children 5 and older and their families, the Mercury News reported Tuesday.
Across the district
Diwali, whose name comes from the Sanskrit for "row of lights," is a major Hindu festival also observed by Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities. It runs five days, which on the Gregorian calendar falls in late October or early November, the library district notes in a post about this year's programs.
That post lists other events at district branches through mid-November, including a paper rangoli craft for ages 3 to 12, a teen cultural craft workshop, a Diwali concert and more henna sessions.