Diwali returns to Trafalgar Square
CELEBRATIONS START EARLY AS REVELLERS ENJOY DANCE, MUSIC AND TREATS
THOUSANDS of people enjoyed dance, music and sweet and savoury treats as they came together to celebrate Diwali at Trafalgar Square last Sunday (9).
The festival of lights falls on October 24, but celebrations kicked off early in London with 200 dancers in the main square followed by performances from the capital’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir’s Diwali festival experience was one of the highlights of the event. It included dance workshops, yoga and meditation, “Glimpses of Goddesses” (statues of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Saraswati, the goddess of education), sari and turban tying, a Diwali culture zone, a children’s marquee, henna and face painting.
South Asian food stalls also served up traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
The London mayor’s annual event, held after almost three years due to the pandemic, is a partnership with the Diwali in London committee. It is free of charge and open to everyone.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Diwali on the Square is always special as Londoners and visitors of all ages come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights, with a glorious blend of music, culture, food, and art.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Hindu and Sikh neighbours I grew up alongside, I have been lucky enough to experience, on many occasions, the joy and unity that Diwali brings and I know Londoners across our city will be joining together with their families and friends to celebrate. I want to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating a very happy Diwali.”
The Diwali on the Square event also included cultural performances from states such as Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
India’s high commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, praised the “terrific Diwali festive spirit” at the event.
Nitin Palan MBE FCA, on behalf of the Diwali in London committee, said: “I’m delighted that, after an absence of almost three years, Diwali in London was celebrated in its full fervour in Trafalgar Square. This year’s theme ‘In the joy of other lies our own’ was relevant for both Diwali and the world, as the need for kindness, harmony and selfless service could not be greater at this current time.”
There was also a special lightup moment at the square.