|
Trafalgar Square hosted celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Light, on Sunday 28 October 2007. Organised by the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Committee in association with Tilda Rice, the celebrations saw the square transformed by magical light displays, floating lanterns, food stalls, live band, music and dance performances.
Diwali on the Square was a wonderful day for all the family, despite rain most of the time. The celebrations started at noon with traditional Indian garba folk dancing, with Shama and Friends presenting Live, children's fancy dress parade and Sikh martial arts display plus sari wearing demonstrations. This was followed by the stage show at 3.30pm with messages and prayers for peace, cultural performances by children and young people, music and dance. In addition there were many stalls open from noon with tasty vegetarian food, children's crafts corner, Diwali exhibition, henna painting and much more.
The stage show had the following themes:
 Music and Dance from states of India including classical Bharata Natyam dances, folk dances, a fisherwoman’s dance, a Holi dance, a Jain dance and Bhangra.
Symbols of India including peacock dance, lotus dance, snake dance and dances commemorating India’s 60 years of independence.
Welcoming Lord Rama and Diwali celebrations was recreated by the arrival of Lord Rama, with high energy dances, culminating in thousands of mini-lamps being lit on the Square to herald the Golden Era of peace and non-violence.
Amongst those participating were: Academy of Punjabi Heritage; Angel Dance School; Apsara Dancers; B4U; BAPS Swaminarayan School; Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University; Explosive Dhol ‘n Dance, Manchester; Francis Cardoso and Co.; Ishira; ISKCON; Oshwal Association of UK; Sai School of Harrow; Sapnay School of Dance; Karma from Imperial College; Shree Kutch Patel Leva Community; Shri Academy of Dance; Sujata Banerjee Kathak School; Sunrise Radio; Dinesh Pandit and
Shama and Friends
Diwali on the Square in association with Tilda Rice was also supported by Transport for London, Metropolitan Police Service, India Tourism, Golden Tours, Sai Schools, L F B, B4U and Sunrise Radio.
|
|
|
