The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that this year's Diwali On The Square will take place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 25, transforming one of the capital's most recognizable public spaces into a vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights, London City Hall announced. The free, family-friendly event will run from 1pm to 7pm.
The day will open with a colorful dance sequence performed by 200 dancers in the center of the Square, according to london.gov.uk. The main stage will then showcase music, dance and performances celebrating the creativity and cultural heritage of London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. Around the Square, visitors can explore arts, crafts, storytelling, yoga and meditation, and dance workshops, alongside food stalls serving vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Families can enjoy StoryHour UK's Ramayana Puppet Show, which brings the Diwali story to life with handcrafted puppets, music and narration.
"I am delighted to invite Londoners and visitors back to Trafalgar Square for another joyful celebration of the Festival of Lights," Khan said, as quoted by the Evening Standard. "Diwali carries a message that speaks to us all: that light will always triumph over darkness, good will defeat evil, and compassion and goodwill can overcome division and despair." He described the event as a highlight of the capital's cultural calendar and a celebration of the enormous contribution London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities make to the life of the city.
Delivered in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee and supported by headline partner Remitly with associate partners Lidl and Jio Hotstar, Diwali On The Square is one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India. No ticket is needed, though bags are searched at the entrance, City Hall said.
Photo: Nayan j Nath, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons