Chester welcomes the festival of Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light returns to Chester on Saturday 15 October.

The festival organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association starts at 12 noon with a colourful parade from the Town Hall Square to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30pm.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor John Leather will officially start the celebrations. Said the Lord Mayor: “I am looking forward to welcoming the dancers and musicians to Chester to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Light. Please come along to enjoy the spectacle and join the dancers when they invite the audience to dance along.”

Sarika Kaushik, Chairperson of Sanjhi Indian Association said: “Diwali is an international festival celebrated across the world. We are delighted to share these celebrations in Chester.

“I’d like to thank our sponsors Cheshire West and Chester Council, Essar Group and Bank of America plus the additional support we have from the Sanjhi volunteers, Sai Mayur dance, Bolly Muvs, Lalita's Namastey India dance, Artbyavanii Art and Craft, CHAWREC and Saffron Cheadle. Our Diwali celebration wouldn’t be possible without their contribution.”

Festival of Diwali

Start: 12noon Town Hall Square, dances: 12.30 Eastgate Street

Programme:

• Dance - Children under 11 years by Suchitra Sharma and Group
• Semi Classical dance- Sai Mayur dance school, Chester
• Bollywood dance medley - Ladies group
• Bollywood dance medley - Lalitas Namastey India, Northwich
• Bollywood dance medley - Bolly Muvs, Chester
• Workshops 2pm to 4pm, Unity Centre

After the parade and celebrations in Eastgate Street, the festival continues at the Chester Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, where public workshops will be held between 2pm to 4pm. Henna hand painting, face painting, Diya making, Diwali art, Indian food stall, Indian craft stalls.