Trafalgar square was lit up with lights and bustling with people on the 28th of October as many came together to celebrate Diwali. With an exciting line-up of music and dance, plus workshops, foods and crafts for the whole family, it’s a fantastic day out for everyone and anyone!
Diwali, the Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of lights, was celebrated recently in the heart of London. On the 17th year running, the Diwali in London (DiL) committee, in partnership with the mayor of London, brought Diwali On Trafalgar Square (DOTS) to London, free of charge. DiL comprises of several diverse member organisations with representatives from a cross section of multicultural communities of India who work together in harmony to ensure the seamless running of DOTS. The dynamic committee comprises members (all volunteers) who are of varying age groups, passionate about spreading the cultural and spiritual awareness of Diwali through education, awareness, participation and fun.
So, some maybe wondering or asking themselves, “What exactly is Diwali and why is it celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths?” For people who are still not familiar with this long-held tradition, here’s some information to let you know what Diwali is about.
Over the five-day celebratory period, Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and is an important date in the religious calendar. The festival is commemorated through a variety of different traditions, including the lighting of the diyas. Furthermore, Diwali falls on a different date each year, depending on the position of the moon. The celebratory period begins on Monday, November 5 and ends on Friday, November 9. This year, Diwali was on Wednesday, November 7.
As one of the major festivals in Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word ‘Diwali’ means rows of lighted lamps and it is known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses and shops are decorated with candles and colourful lights during the week. For many people, Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility. In Jainism, it marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment.
This Diwali festival attracts approximately 35,000 people each year from all over the UK and this year, I went to celebrate the occasion so that I could experience the festival myself. Some of the line-ups and workshops that were there during the day was: Diwali Culture Zone where you were able to watch a 25-minute giant puppet show telling the story of Sita and Rama, Dance Workshops where stage dancers put you through your paces and learn some impressive moves, Yoga which helped you to take some time out with a meditation session and my personal favorite, the World War I: We Remember Corner where the Royal British Legion, Big Ideas and others turn back the clock to teach about the tremendous sacrifice made by Indians of all faiths in WW1. You were able to try on old uniforms, pose with props, make a sari wreath, and get on board the bus to experience life in wartime. I was able to ask a lady, who was part of a henna tattoo stall and did a lovely henna design on my hand, how she felt about the festival and she exclaimed, “It’s a wonderful experience for people for all races and ages, not just Indians, for I am not Indian myself and I am so glad and honored to be part of a rich cultural festival. I have met so many people and learnt so many things from just standing here and watching everything unfold. It’s great!”
Towards the end of the festival, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan gave a little speech about the event and it’s importance: “I’m delighted to be celebrating Diwali with London’s Hindu community and thank them for the amazing contribution they make to the capital and to and our country as a whole. Diwali’s central message of peace and mutual respect is one that I know all Londoners support – we are a city that celebrates our differences, and London is open to all. During this wonderful festival of lights, we come together to reflect on the past year together, and mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. From my family to yours, Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year.”
I hope everyone had a very Happy Diwali!
