The Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art Hosts Inaugural Eid Reception

Forbes

4 hours ago

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Anita Chatterjee speaks during Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of ... More Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations )
The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, along with a distinguished host committee, hosted an exclusive Eid reception and gallery tours. The event brought together celebrities, prominent voices from media, entertainment, culture, and the arts. The evening honored the spirit of Eid through a dynamic celebration of community, heritage, and storytelling at one of the nation's most esteemed cultural institutions.
The event featured remarks from leaders in journalism, business, and the arts, and provided guests with a private viewing of select exhibitions that highlight the museum's commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Held at the museum's historic location in Washington, D.C., this meaningful evening served not only as a celebration of Eid but also as a platform to honor the ongoing contributions of the Asian diasporas to the fabric of American culture and public life.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: Amna Nawaz attends Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on ... More May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations )
'Events like this are vital because they bridge culture, community, and visibility at the highest levels,' said Anita Chatterjee, Founder & CEO of A-Game Public Relations and event co-host. 'Celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian is not just a milestone — it's a statement about the value of inclusion and the importance of honoring a range of thoughtful voices in our national conversation. I'm proud to orchestrate an event that uplifts heritage while building connections across industries and communities.' A-Game has been instrumental in producing many South Asian American events, such as the South Asian Oscar party and the New York All That Glitters Diwali Ball. "This evening is not just about celebrating Eid, it was also about creating a space for connection, community, and joy," said Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor & Co-Managing Editor of PBS NewsHour and event co-host. 'Gathering at the Smithsonian, surrounded by works of art that document our history and cultures in beautiful ways, is a celebration of the many tales woven into our larger American story. Tonight, it's about the joy in that storytelling."
The museum holds more than 46,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present from China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as well as an important collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American works from the Aesthetic Movement. New acquisitions are constantly added, and the museum now showcases the richness of premodern Asian arts and the evolving visual cultures of Asia in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Utilizing the museum's world-class library and archives, visitors can explore nearly every region and historic period of Asia and the Islamic world, and scholars will find value in exemplary objects as springboards for research.
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WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: (L-R) Sam Hyun, Mohaimina Haque, Swati Sharma, Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, ... More Amna Nawaz, Anita Chatterjee, Amna Khilji and Alisha Chen attend Eid at the Smithsonian National Museum Of Asian Art on May 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo byfor A-Game Public Relations )
'This evening was a testament to the power of cultural celebration and collective connection,' said. Robinson, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. 'We were honored to welcome such an inspiring and passionate group of voices to mark this special occasion.' Ali added 'Growing up, I never imagined celebrating Eid at the Smithsonian — let alone with a room full of change makers across media, culture, and entertainment,' said Asif Ali, lead actor in Hulu's new hit series Deli Boys and event co-host. 'This event wasn't just about tradition — it was about joy, representation, and showing the next generation that our stories belong in institutions like this. And let's be honest, any time you mix beautiful art, great people, and biryani, you're doing something right.'
The event was hosted in collaboration with an esteemed host committee including: Chase F. Robinson, Director, Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art; Amna Nawaz, Co-Anchor and Co-Managing Editor, PBS NewsHour; Asif Ali, Actor and Comedian (Deli Boys); Aasif Mandvi, Actor; Maneet Ahuja, Global Editor-at-Large, Forbes; Swati Sharma, Editor-in-Chief, Vox; Mohaimina Haque, Attorney and CEO, Tony Roma's; and Anita Chatterjee, Founder and CEO, A-Game Public Relations.
Additional notable attendees included Saagar Shaikh, Actor (Deli Boys); Nirupama Rao, Former Indian diplomat, Foreign Secretary ND; Ambassador; Rajiv Satyal, Comedian; Yasmin Elhady, TV Personality (Muslim Matchmaker); Swayam Bhatia, Actor (Succession, Zombies 4); Farhan Latif, President of El-Hibri Foundation; Negin Sobhani, Associate Director for Global Affairs (NMAA); Alisha Chen, Partnerships
Operations Manager (TAAF); Amna Khilji, Senior Advisor (Pak Futures Foundation); Ehteshamul Haque, Attorney; Sam Hyun, Director of Government Relations (TAAF); and Shaneli Jain, Founder (Shaneli).
Guests enjoyed delicious South Asian cuisine as they experienced the museum's exhibits. Gift bags were shared at the end of the night with swag from the museum, a gift from the popular South Asian retail brand One Minute Saree, and fennel sees used as South Asian mints from the Pakistani CPG company Paro.The sponsors for the evening included The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA); The Asian American Foundation (TAAF); Pak Futures Foundation; A-Game Public Relations; Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC; Law Office of Ehteshamul Haque; Product of Culture; Paro; One Minute Saree; and Shaneli.
The museum frequently hosts events for the community throughout the year that raises awareness to events celebrated by the South Asian diaspora including a Diwali event. As a big population of South Asians celebrate Eid, this was the first Eid celebration of many in the years to come.