London: Trafalgar Square, London's favourite point of assembly, will light up with Diwali lights for this year's celebrations of the festival of lights.
Organised by the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Committee, and sponsored by Tilda Basmati, the free event will be open to all and will see the cemented square transformed by magical light displays, floating lanterns, and music and dance performances.
'Diwali on the Square' runs from midday until 8 pm with music and dance, including classical bharata natyam, traditional garba from Gujarat, a fisherwoman's dance, a Jain dance and the robust bhangra from Punjab.
There will be also be dance representing symbols of India, such as the peacock dance, lotus and snake and dances commemorating India's 60 years of independence, the mayor's office announced Tuesday.
Other attractions will include Sikh martial arts, a sari-wearing demonstration and a fancy dress parade. Throughout the day there will be a range of stalls offering tasty vegetarian food.
The day will climax with the lighting of thousands of lamps on the square in a recreation of the arrival of Lord Ram, symbolising peace and non-violence. Trafalgar Square, at the heart of London, is one of the city's most vibrant open spaces dotted with statues and fountains. Home to the towering Nelson's Column that commemorates British victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the square is rich in history and provides a platform for artistic performances and events.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "Diwali is an important occasion for London's Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and represents the power of good to triumph over evil a theme that has relevance for all of London's communities, because it signifies the value of co-operation and mutual respect between peoples of differing faiths and backgrounds. On this joyous occasion, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali."
And Stephen von Speyr of Tilda Basmati added: "We are absolutely delighted to be involved in the Diwali on the Square. We believe it is a perfect fit with our company heritage and values as a family business and are proud to join together with the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London team to bring communities together from all across London for the celebrations."
This year's Diwali on the Square comes at the end of an India Now season, a unique festival that has highlighted the richness of Indian culture through the year. Later this year Livingstone will be visiting New Delhi and Mumbai to open London offices in both cities with the aim of cementing already-strong ties between London and the Indian metros.
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