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Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Oct 23: London mayor Sadiq Khan

Fireworks set off on the occasion of Diwali on a street in London, the UK, in November 2020. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

By: Shubham Ghosh

LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday (21) said Diwali celebrations will take place at Trafalgar Square on Saturday (23) with much fanfare and he wished all communities ahead of the festival of lights.

“I want to send my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, in London and around the world,” Khan said, adding,“ As our communities come together to share hospitality and remember the story of Rama and Sita, I am delighted to welcome the return of Diwali festivities in Trafalgar Square.”

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“Our experiences over the past 18 months have reinforced the importance of the themes at the heart of Diwali: the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Oct 23: London mayor Sadiq Khan
London mayor Sadiq Khan (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)

“The spirit of this vibrant festival brings us all together and embodies the diverse and welcoming spirit of our great city,” he added.

The festival, which is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities across London and the world, will see the square burst into life with a display of lights, arts and craft and vegetarian food stalls for the public. Besides, entertainment will be held on big screens and dancing and singing performances will be held from London and beyond. Stalls will be opened for demonstration of yoga and cookery and story-telling from the Indian epic of Ramayana.  The celebrations at the square will run from 4 pm to 10 pm British Summer Time.

The celebrations are being organised by the mayor of London and supported by the Diwali in London Committee which comprises diverse member organisations with representatives from across multicultural communities of India who work together for a smoothing running of Diwali in Trafalgar Square.

Shivali Ruparelia, chair of Diwali in London 2021 said: “As we emerge from our darkest days… we pay tribute but with Triumph as we celebrate Diwali the Festival of Lights that will illuminate London and our souls again. We look forward to seeing you all at this year’s very special, very different, very colourful, uplifting celebration at London’s iconic Trafalgar Square.”

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