October 20, 2023
2 mins read

London Gears Up To Greet Diwali

Mayor announces the capital’s Diwali celebrations on October 29 at Trafalgar Square. The capital’s celebration of the Festival of Lights will see Londoners and people from around the world join together in the heart of the capital to enjoy a fantastic array of dance, music, activities and food from 1-7pm

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced that the annual Diwali on the Square celebrations will take place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 29 October with a host of family-friendly entertainment The capital’s celebration of the Festival of Lights will see Londoners and people from around the world join together in the heart of the capital to enjoy a fantastic array of dance, music, activities and food from 1-7pm.

This free, non-ticketed event is delivered in partnership with the Diwali in London committee, with headline sponsorship from Remitly. The volunteer-led committee helps to select the programme for the event, and comprises of a range of community leaders. The event opens with 200 colourfully dressed dancers followed by an exciting mix of performances from artists drawn from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

(Photo_Twitter@SadiqKhan)

There will be a host of market stalls and activities to enjoy, including dance workshops, yoga and meditation, Ramayana Puppet shows, Soho Theatre comedy, and the Glimpse of Goddesses stall where visitors can find out more about Hindu goddesses, sari and turban tying. This year there will also be the Diwali Queen and a series of dance performances presented by ‘Kalasetu,’ a collaborative project between Subrang Arts and Kinetika commissioned on behalf of This is Croydon, the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2023.

An array of South Asian food stalls will be serving up delicious traditional and fusion, vegan and vegetarian cuisine.  

 “Diwali on the Square is a cornerstone in London’s calendar of cultural events, providing a wonderful celebration of colour and light in the heart of our great capital,” said Mayor Sadiq Khan. “I’m delighted that Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds will once again be joining together for a fantastic family-friendly afternoon of entertainment to mark the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. By celebrating our city’s diversity, we are building a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Sanjay Gadhvi, Iskcon, Chair of Diwali in London Committee 2023, said: “On our 22nd year of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, always supported by the Mayor of London, we pray for peace and harmony. Wishing all a Happy Diwali.”

Prof Ray Lloyd, CEO of Global Banking School (GBS) and Diwali on the Square’s Presenting Partner, said: “Global Banking School is delighted to support this event which aligns with our values of celebrating the strength of diversity within our communities. Global Banking School (GBS), part of the GEDU Group, is transforming futures through education. GBS offer a range of sector-relevant courses across five locations – East London, West London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business,  construction, tourism, healthcare – and more.”

Previous Story

GCC, ASEAN Leaders Seek Peace in Gaza

Next Story

IMF, Lanka Edge Closer with Staff-Level Agreement

Latest from Asia News

Modi may attend Russia’s V-Day celebrations

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to represent India at Russia’s Victory Day parade next month that will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World

India, Nepal Boost Agricultural Ties

The high-level gathering brought together agriculture ministers and senior officials from BIMSTEC member states—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka—to explore enhanced regional collaboration in agriculture and food security. Union

Mass Expulsions Close Afghan Shops in Pakistan

As Pakistan intensifies its mass deportation drive against Afghan refugees, the once-bustling Afghan-owned businesses in Rawalpindi are falling silent. With the March 31 deadline for repatriation passed, a growing number of Afghan-run

South Korea Sets June 3 Presidential Election

South Korea will hold a presidential election on June 3, the government confirmed on Tuesday, setting the stage for a new leadership following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk
Go toTop