FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 17, 2025
Media contacts
Lesa Griffith
808-532-8712
lgriffith@honolulumuseum.org
Matt Serrao
808-532-8785
mserrao@honolulumuseum.org
HoMA CELEBRATES HINDU FESTIVAL NAVRATRI SEPT. 21, 26, 28
Courtyards will be alive with dance, art-making, food and festivities; Museum screens never-released-in-US film 'Hellaro'
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I—The Honolulu Museum of Art is the place to celebrate the South Asian festival Navratri in September at Community Day on Sunday, Sept 21, at HoMA Nights on Friday, Sept. 26, and at a special film screening and dance workshop on Sept. 28.
Community Day: Navratri
Sunday, Sept. 21, activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Museum open until 6 p.m.
General admission: $25. Free for Hawai‘i residents with ID
Guests can celebrate the beginning of Navratri, the Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, the divine feminine energy that embodies power, strength and resilience. In South Asia, the festival traditionally runs for nine days, and this year starts on Sept. 22. At HoMA’s monthly Community Day, there will be South Asian dance performances, a dance workshop, and an art activity to decorate dandiyas, the colorful sticks used in the festival dancing.
HoMA Nights: Celebrating Navratri
Friday, Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m.
General admission online: $25. General admission at the door: $30. Museum members: $15. 18 and under: $10
Tickets available online.
The museum comes alive with the sights, sounds and tastes of Navratri, the South Asian cultural festival that celebrates women and empowerment. Spearheaded by dance scholars Sumoha Min and Nada McClellan, the evening includes live music, DJs playing bhangra and Bollywood beats, performances of the Indian folk dances Garba and Raas, and a dance workshop. Delicious vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine will be available for purchase from Simply Indulge, and The HoMA Café will be serving its Friday night dinner menu.
Navratri commemorates the goddess Durga’s victory over an evil demon to restore peace and harmony in Hindu mythology. In India, this festival is held over nine consecutive nights of dancing.
‘Hellaro’ film screening + dance workshop
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
General admission: $30. Museum member: $25. 18 and under: $10
Tickets available online.
The Navratri celebration continues with this special screening of the acclaimed film Hellaro, which has never been released in the US and is not streaming. Originally released in 2019, Hellaro is the first Gujarati film to win the best feature film prize at India’s National Film Awards. It portrays the oppressed life of women living in an Indian village in 1975—when Prime Minister Indira Ghandi declared a state of emergency. The women’s silent lives are changed forever when they rescue a stranger in the desert and find joy in dancing. The film will be followed by a dance workshop in Central Courtyard.
See the trailer.
About HoMA Nights
Every Friday, HoMA is open until 9 p.m. With live music and DJs, special art-related programs and activities, dinner and drinks, the museum is a creative, inspirational option for Friday pau hana or date night.
Oct. 10: Music by saxophonist Jason Gay and his quartet
Oct. 17: Music by Gilbert Batangan Jazz Trio.
Images available on request.
About the Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawai‘i’s premier art institution, inspiring and uplifting the community through transformative art experiences. Founded in 1927 to reflect Hawai‘i’s multicultural makeup, today HoMA’s extraordinary collection of more than 55,000 works of art from across the globe spans 5,000 years.
Through its collection, innovative exhibitions, and programs, the museum is able to tell stories relevant to Hawai‘i and the world at large. It serves as a gathering place of learning and discovery, where visitors can encounter new ideas, explore diverse perspectives, develop empathy, and contribute to their well-being through art. Home to an art school, Honolulu’s last art house theater, two cafes, and a shop—just 10 minutes from Waikīkī—HoMA is a vital part of Hawai‘i’s cultural landscape committed to access for all.
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 10am–6pm; Friday 10am–9pm
Admission: Adults $25; residents $15; free for youth 18 and under; free for SNAP beneficiaries and college students enrolled at any Hawai‘i state university or college.
Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania St
Honolulu, HI 96814
Honolulu Museum of Art School
1111 Victoria St
Honolulu, HI 96814
Communications: 808-532-8712
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