Diwali in the Square

When

12pm – 8pm, 19th October 2008

Where

Trafalgar Square

Londoners are invited to get involved with spectacular Diwali celebrations in the heart of London at Diwali in the Square, bringing Diwali to Trafalgar Square in an extravagant cultural event.

The Festival of Light
Diwali in the Square will transform Trafalgar Square with vibrant Diwali celebrations, including traditional light displays, floating lanterns and colourful Diwali decorations. Open to all, the event promises to light up Trafalgar Square in traditional Indian style.

Music and dance
As well as light and decoration a full programme of performances will feature at Diwali in the Square, including a mixture of traditional and contemporary music and dance. This years highlights include the thousands of mini lanterns being lit to herald the Golden Era of peace and non violence, and dance from Saraswati Academy of Indian Dance, Akademi, Encee Academy of Performing Arts among others. Alongside the dancing, there will also be a chance to hear some musical medleys from Chinmaya Mission and a live performance of Jay Kumar’s Diwali anthem song.

Special activites at Diwali in the Square
There will be a number of special activities for both kids and families to take part in this year, with a chance to learn to dance the garba, a traditional circular dance, while the National Gallery are hosting story telling sessions and holding a Festival of Light gallery trail. Kids can get crafty with a special activity corner and everyone can get painted with henna.

Prayers and peace in London
With Diwali having strong religious significance for a cross section of Londoners, prayers for peace and other special messages will be shared by crowds present at the event. The crowds will be out in force to join the festivities in traditional style, celebrating the triumph of good and renewal of life. The day will finish with thousands of lamps being lit all over the square, as the light symbolises the arrival of Lord Rama as he liberates Queen Sita and quashes the evil Ravana.

Diwali at London restaurants
Plenty of great restaurants are offering you the chance of a celebratory meal during the Festival of Lights this year, so why not treat yourself to some delicious Indian cuisine after the lights have been lit. Click on the links below for more information on the tasty dishes on offer throughout Diwali 2008.

Diwali at Moti Mahal

Diwali at Quilon

Diwali at Cinnamon Club

Diwali at Mela

Diwali in the Square takes place at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 19th October 2008 from 3pm – 8pm. The event is free to attend.

Recommended Indian Restaurants

Recommended Bars in Leicester Square