The Mayor of London’s Diwali festival is returning to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 11 October, with an uplifting and vibrant mix of music, dance and live performance, as well as displays and food stalls.
Londoners from all communities and visitors to the capital are invited to attend the celebrations, which feature lively music and dance, delicious food and drink, plus activities for the whole family to enjoy. The free event is being organised to mark Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’, which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India and many other countries around the world. With Zee TV as the media partner it is being staged by the Mayor of London in association with the DIL (Diwali in London) Committee, with support from headline sponsor Lebara Mobile. Western Union and Kerala Tourism are also supporting the festival.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is my Family – this is the belief and philosophy of the world’s most viewed South Asian TV Network – ZEE. In line with this ZEE will present a unique show during a half-hour slot at Diwali on Trafalgar Square. The creativity, the uniqueness and the talented artists will woo the audence with the their power-pact performance. Veena, an electrifying singer, will entertain with popular Bollywood numbers as well Indian classical and regional songs, representing the full diversity of the Indian culture. And all this whilst the beautiful Spanish performer and Bollywood and Indian classical dancer Neera will perform.
ZEE is also inviting fans to come and meet little Gangaa on the square! Talented young actress Ruhana Khanna plays the main lead in the popular series Gangaa on the brand new Asian entertainment channel &TV. Gangaa is an inspiring story of a child widow who is characterized with the indomitable spirit and will to survive. She is considered to be a threat to age old customs of the society. However, her spirit and resilience ensure that she emerges a winner.
An entertaining afternoon of family fun will kick off with a parade full of children re-enacting the return of victorious Lord Ram to his Kingdom. Leaving from the Southbank, the colourful procession will make its way to the heart of the festival, Trafalgar Square, where the children will perform a set dance piece on the main steps. The parade will symbolise the themes of this year’s festival; the legacies of valour, unity and sacrifice in pursuit of peace and freedom.
Continuing the celebrations in the middle of Trafalgar Square, everyone will have the chance to join in on traditional garba dancing accompanied by a full-scale garba band. On the main stage, there will be a variety of entertaining performances, ranging from vibrant local community musicians and dancers, Zee TV favourites and professional Keralan acts showcasing the colourful culture of Diwali 2015’s focus region. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Indian State of Kerala’s emerald backwaters, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife and serene beaches on the Arabian Sea in their exhibition marquee.
Throughout the day, a range of stalls will sell a variety of tasty vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be plenty of chances to stock up on Indian essentials – exotic jewellery, spices, rangoli, ayurvedic products and more.
Revellers will also have the chance to don a sari, learn a Bollywood dance, participate in yoga for beginners and meditation sessions, get a henna tattoo, pick up top health tips, find out more about Diwali and the faiths behind it, or simply enjoy this year’s illuminations.
Children can take part in a range of activities at the festival, including story-telling sessions, mini theatre shows, games, and arts and crafts that will teach them about the origins of Diwali. The National Army Museum will also be there to tell the fascinating stories of the Indian sub-continent soldiers who fought with the Commonwealth during World War I.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Our annual Diwali festival is a highlight of London’s cultural calendar and wonderfully reflects the vibrancy of the city’s many communities who make a huge contribution to life in the capital. The festival’s central messages of peace and mutual respect are of great importance to all Londoners as well as to Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. To everyone celebrating in London and beyond, I wish you a very happy and prosperous Diwali.”
The DIL Committee Chairpersons 2015, Satya Minhas and Varsha Mistry, said: “Well over one billion people around the world celebrate the festival of lights, a grand home coming and coronation of Lord Ram who ruled magnificently to earn the title of ‘King Supreme of Principles’. In the United Kingdom, around one million people from all faiths will be celebrating Diwali this year. We invite you with your family and friends to join us and hope you are as excited as we are to join in the festivities. Happy Diwali.”
Neeraj Dhingra, CEO of ZEE Europe, said: “In keeping with our philosophy – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means The World is my Family, ZEE is delighted to be a part of the Mayor of London’s very colorful celebration of Diwali once again. It’s a much awaited time of the year and the Diwali Festival at Trafalgar Square is a perfect start of the festivities. Zee welcomes all nationalities and cultures to Trafalgar Square to join in the celebrations and we will be providing world-class entertainment at this iconic location alongside several fun activities”.
Event: Diwali Festival
Date: Sunday 11 October 2015
Times: 1pm – 7pm
(Note: the Children’s Parade leaves Southbank at 11:30am, before arriving at Trafalgar Square at 12:30pm)
Venue: Trafalgar Square, London
Entry: Free, all welcome
Information: www.london.gov.uk/diwali / www.diwaliinlondon.com
Programme (subject to change):
1pm – Event begins
Traditional garba dancing, with live music, in the centre of Trafalgar Square, open to all
Opening ceremony with Diwali messages and speeches
Live music and performances
Professional and community performers on main stage
Closing ceremony with religious hymns and musical aarti provided by DIL Festive finale
7pm – Event ends