Chester welcomes the Festival of Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, returns to Chester on Saturday 26th October.

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

The festival, represents the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Following the parade and celebrations in Eastgate Street, the festival will dance its way back to the Chester Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, where public workshops will be held between 2 pm and 4pm.

Visitors will be able to get in the spirit and enjoy Henna hand painting, face painting, Diya making, Diwali art, Indian food and Indian crafts.

Diwali is celebrated all over the world but has a rich history in Chester. For years the celebrations have had residents, tourists and shoppers dancing in the streets.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Razia Daniels will officially start the celebrations.

The Lord Mayor said:

“I am delighted to welcome the Diwali celebrations to Chester. The festival of light includes displays of traditional Indian dance plus a touch of Bollywood.

“Follow the parade from Town Hall Square to Eastgate Street. After the performances from the dancers and musicians, there is an invitation for the audience to dance along as the parade makes its way back to the Unity Centre.”

Sarika Kaushik, Chairperson of Sanjhi Indian Association added:

“We are delighted to share the Diwali celebrations once again in Chester. This is an international festival celebrated across the world. This year we are supporting the charity ‘Share the meal’.

“I’d like to thank our sponsors Cheshire West and Chester Council and Bank of America, plus the additional support we have from the Sanjhi volunteers, Sai Mayur dance, Gejje Dance, Lalita's Namastey India dance, Art by Avanii, Saffron Spice Cheadle, CHAWREC, Origins Group Ltd, DJ Fusion and Eyebrows lash and brow bar Chester. Our Diwali celebration wouldn’t be possible without their contribution.”

Iwona Szmidt, Chester Site Lead for Bank of America said:

“We are delighted to once again support the Diwali celebrations in Chester and get involved. The festival is a highlight of community life in Chester and all of us at Bank of America are so proud to help make these amazing celebrations enjoyable for everyone in and around this wonderful city.”

Key information & programme:

• Parade starts: 12 noon Northgate Street. Dances: 12.30 Eastgate Street
• The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Razia Daniels declares the Diwali celebrations open
• Dance - Children under 11 years by Subhra/Aruna Group
• Semi Classical dance - Sai Mayur dance school, Chester
• Dance by Gejje dance school, Chester
• Sanhji ladies dance by Dhivya/Nazia group
• Bollywood dance medley- Lalita’s Namastey India Dance school, Northwich
•  Workshops 2pm to 4pm, Unity Centre