The Festival of Diwali in Chester

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Light will be celebrated in Chester on Saturday 31st October.

The festival, organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association, starts at 11.45 am with a colourful parade starting from Watergate Street, to Chester Town Hall Square and then to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30 pm.

The Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Alan Smith will start the celebrations. Said the Sheriff:

“I am delighted to welcome the Diwali celebrations back to Chester. Chester is a welcoming and inclusive city, and I am particularly pleased to extend a warm welcome to residents and visitors who celebrate Diwali and who bring their vibrant traditions, culture and community spirit to our city streets.

“As Sheriff of Chester, one of the themes I am keen to champion during my year of office is the importance of recognising and supporting the traditions that help make our communities so rich and diverse. The Diwali celebrations are a wonderful example of this, bringing people together through music, dance and shared experiences, while celebrating a tradition that is cherished by many across our city.

“I look forward to seeing residents and visitors come together to enjoy the celebrations and help make this year's Diwali event another memorable occasion for Chester.”

From traditional Indian dance to Bollywood performances, there will be dancing in the streets, and that's not just the performers. The parade starts on Watergate Street, making its way to Town Hall Square and then on to Eastgate Street. There is a fantastic programme of performances from dancers and musicians, along with opportunities for everyone to join in as the parade makes its way back to the Unity Centre.

Sarika Kaushik, Chairperson of Sanjhi Indian Association said:

“Diwali is an international festival celebrated across the world. We bring this traditional festival of light to Chester city centre each year. Please join us to celebrate Diwali.

 “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, Lalitas Namaste India, Westminster park cricket club, Anugraha dance, Art by Avaani, DJ Fusion and CHAWREC."

Festival of Diwali

Parade starts: 11.45am Watergate Street, dances: 12.30 Eastgate Street

Programme:

• The Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Alan Smith 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.