Diwali in the Square 2008

Date: Sunday 19 October
Time: 3pm to 8pm
Admission: FREE

Trafalgar Square hosts celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday 19 October 2008, organised by the Greater London Authority and Diwali in London Committee, in association with Barclays.

Diwali on the Square is a wonderful day for all the family, and will see the square transformed by magical light displays and music and dance performances.

Programme

3pm - 4pm: Come and learn the garba, a traditional circular dance.

4.30pm - 5pm: Opening ceremony with lighting lamps and Diwali songs.

5pm - 7pm: Performances including a celebration of dance in many styles:

• Kathak from North India
• Oddissi dancers from Orissa
• Classical Bharata Natyam,
• Contemporary dance, and a touch of Bhangra.
  Performed by Saraswati Academy of Indian Dance, Akademi, Encee Academy of Performing Arts, Apsara Dancers Mudralaya and Kala - The Arts.
• Musical medleys from Chinmaya Mission and a special live performance of Jay Kumar’s Diwali anthem song.

7pm - 7.30pm: Special presentation by Star

7.30pm - 8pm: Aarti - traditional prayers and singing with lamps - and finale.

Stage hosted by Club Asia Radio

The National Gallery will also be celebrating Diwali on 19 October, with dancing, music and storytelling - Diwali at the National Gallery.

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