Crime, Policing and Emergencies

> Culture

Economic Policy

Education

Environment and climate change

Equality and Diversity

Health

Housing and Homelessness

International

Planning and Development

Sustainability

Transport

Diwali on the Square

Trafalgar Square
Sunday 28 October 2007
12 noon - 8pm
FREE

Trafalgar Square hosted celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Light, on Sunday 28 October 2007, organised by the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Committee in association with Tilda. Some 30,000 people were there during the afternoon to see the square transformed by magical light displays, floating lanterns, and music and dance performances.

Diwali on the Square is a wonderful day for all the family. The celebrations started at noon with traditional Indian garba folk dancing plus sari wearing demonstrations. This was followed by the stage show at 3.30pm with messages and prayers for peace, cultural performances by children and young people, music and dance. In addition there were stalls in the square with tasty vegetarian food, children's crafts corner, Diwali exhibition, henna painting and much more.

The stage show had the following themes:

• Music and Dance from states of India including classical Bharata Natyam dances, folk dances, a fisherwoman’s dance, a Holi dance, a Jain dance and Bhangra.
• Symbols of India including peacock dance, lotus dance, snake dance and dances commemorating India’s 60 years of independence.
• Welcoming Lord Rama and Diwali celebrations - recreating the arrival of Lord Rama, with high energy dances, culminating in thousands of mini-lamps being lit on the Square to herald the Golden Era of peace and non-violence.

Amongst those participating are: Academy of Punjabi Heritage; Angel Dance School; Apsara Dancers; B4U; BAPS Swaminarayan School; Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University; Explosive Dhol 'n Dance, Manchester; Francis Cardoso and Co.; Ishira; ISKCON; Oshwal Association of UK; Pandit Dinesh; Sai School of Harrow; Sapnay School of Dance; Karma from Imperial College; Shamaa and Friends; Shree Kutch Patel Leva Community; Shri Academy of Dance; Sujata Banerjee Kathak School and Sunrise Radio

Diwali on the Square in association with Tilda Pure Basmati is also supported by Transport for London, Metropolitan Police Service, India Tourism, B4U and Sunrise Radio.

Presenting partner

Supporters

Official media partners

Thanks to

Terms and conditions

Accessibility

Privacy 

Freedom of information