The Festival of Diwali in Chester

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light, will be celebrated in Chester on Saturday 11th October.

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

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar will start the celebrations. Said the Lord Mayor:

“From colourful outfits, music, traditional Indian dance and with a touch of Bollywood music, I am delighted to welcome back the Diwali celebrations to Chester.

“Follow the parade from Town Hall Square to Eastgate Street. There is a programme of performances from the dancers and musicians, and a chance to join in when the audience is invited to dance along as the parade makes its way back to the Unity Centre.”

Sarika Kaushik, Chairperson of Sanjhi Indian Association said:

“Welcome to our traditional festival of light, please join us to celebrate Diwali in Chester. Diwali is an international festival celebrated across the world.

“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 and DJ Fusion.”

Festival of Diwali

Parade starts: 12noon Northgate Street, dances: 12.30 Eastgate Street

Programme:

• The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar declares the Diwali celebrations open.
• Dance - Children under 11 years by Suchitra Sharma and Group/Gejje dance
• Semi Classical dance - Sai Mayur dance school, Chester
• Bollywood dance medley- Sanjhi Ladies group
• Dance by Bank of America Group
• Bollywood dance medley- Lalita’s Namastey India Dance school, Northwich
• Bollywood dance medley - Manasa’s Gejje dance, Chester
• Workshops 2.30pm 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 2.30pm and 4pm. Henna hand painting, face painting, Diya making, Diwali art, Indian food stall and Indian craft stalls.