I learned a lot about Diwali growing up and saw how much it means to people. From the kids bringing halwa and jalebi to the playground, to the decorations at Dr Gandhi’s GP practice in Bristol, it was always a point of light at a dark time of year … writes Mr Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
I want to wish everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali, especially all those in the NHS and social care who have worked tirelessly to support us throughout this pandemic.
I learned a lot about Diwali growing up and saw how much it means to people. From the kids bringing halwa and jalebi to the playground, to the decorations at Dr Gandhi’s GP practice in Bristol, it was always a point of light at a dark time of year.
Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
This year’s celebrations will feel different to last year. With no restrictions on who we can meet, it’s a great time to meet with family and friends. However, the pandemic isn’t over and I want us all to do everything we can to stay safe this Diwali. We must continue to follow advice and get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster jab.
We know vaccines work and are the number one weapon in our armoury as we continue to fight COVID-19. To anyone who is eligible for a vaccine but still hasn’t yet taken up the offer – it is never too late to come forward and book yours. It could save your life.
We also know the protection from a COVID-19 vaccine wanes over time, just as it does with other vaccines, and this is likely to be most evident in those who are older or in at risk groups. It is so important that, as we approach winter, you do not delay in coming forward to top up your immunity by getting your booster to protect you and your loves ones over the colder months.
More than eight million people across the UK now have the vital protection boosters provide, and it’s never been easier to get a booster jab with walk-in sites across the country now open for those eligible – if it’s been six months since your second dose, get your booster as soon as you can.
We know that this winter could be challenging with the easing of restrictions resulting in a rise in flu cases. The government has launched our largest ever flu vaccine campaign this year – and if you are eligible, I urge you to get your flu jab as soon as you can.
As we all reflect on the message of Diwali and gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, I ask that you be cautious and enjoy a Diwali that is not only special but safe too.
On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation, reports Asian Lite News
Continuing his annual tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Nowshera, Jammu to celebrate Diwali with soldiers. Last year, PM Modi while celebrating Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan had said that as long as the Indian soldiers are present, this country’s Diwali celebrations would continue in full swing and be luminescent.
The Prime Minister lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.
The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.
“Our soldiers are the ‘suraksha kawach’ of ‘Maa Bharti’. It is because of you all that people of our country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have spent each Diwali with soldiers guarding our borders. Today, I have brought along with me the blessings of crores of Indians for our soldiers here,” he said.
The Prime Minister continued his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers. Notably, PM Modi has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Lauded soldiers for carrying out surgical strike
Prime Minister Modi on Thursday praised the soldiers for carrying out the surgical strike across the border and said that it fills everyone with pride.
He also said that the country has been giving a befitting reply to those attempting to disturb the peace in the region.
(Photo: ANI)
“It fills every Indian with pride on the role this brigade played during the surgical strike,” the Prime Minister said while addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also said, “The role played by this brigade during the surgical strike fills everyone with pride. I will remember that day forever as it was decided that all soldiers should return before sunset… I was sitting beside the phone and was asking about the whereabouts of every soldier,”
“There were many attempts to disturb the peace here but each time a befitting reply has been given,” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister during his address also lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.
The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.
“Today I have in front of me brave brothers and sisters who have the good fortune of serving our motherland. I can see the dedication to protect our land in your eyes. It is because of you, we are able to celebrate our festivals with peace,” said the PM.
‘Self-reliance in defence sector’
Reiterating his vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, PM Modi said that the commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods of procuring defence equipment.
(Photo: ANI)
While addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, “Earlier, it used to take years together to procure defence equipment for the security forces. The commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods.”
The Prime Minister also that this will make the defence sector stronger. PM Modi further said that the connectivity of the border has significantly improved our security deployment capability.
“Connectivity in border areas has improved- be it from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, Jaisalmer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This has helped us enhance our deployment capability,” the Prime Minster said. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Visits in recent years
In 2019, the Prime Minister had celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
He had called soldiers as his family and lauded them for guarding the borders even during festivals. He had exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station.
In 2018, Prime Minister Modi had celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand. Following that he had offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine.
(Photo: ANI)
In 2017, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival of light with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora District.
In 2016, the PM went to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost.
He visited the Punjab border to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in 2015. In 2014, Prime Minister Modi spent Diwali in Siachen with soldiers. (ANI)
If the bill gets approval, the holiday would be observed in federal institutions, with significant populations that celebrate Diwali and honour the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans…reports Reena Bhardwaj
Congressman Carolyn Maloney will introduce a bill in US Congress, which aims to establish Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States.
On Wednesday, the Democrat Congressman from New York will be joined by members of the India Caucus including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other advocates to introduce her legislation at the Hill.
Representing the Indian American community members, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora will also join the congresswoman who has been a long supporter of the Indian diaspora.
If the bill gets approval, the holiday would be observed in federal institutions, with significant populations that celebrate Diwali and honour the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans who celebrate the holiday in the United States.
Congressman Maloney in the past has successfully worked with advocates across the country and led efforts in Congress urging the US Postal Service to approve and issue a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016. Maloney relentlessly fought for this cause as she felt that “a relatively small action would hold great meaning for millions of people.”
Diwali will be celebrated on November 4 this year. (ANI)
Many UAE retailers, hypermarkets and supermarket chains have been riding the festive wave for weeks leading up to the big Diwali day celebrations on November 4…reports Asian Lite News
A dip in recent Covid cases in the UAE and easing restrictions in the country is raising hopes of a bumper pre-pandemic Diwali amongst expat Indians and retailers here alike.
A day after authorities in the UAE approved the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, the country on Monday, November 1, registered 78 new cases for Covid-19, the lowest since figures touched two figures for the first time in over 19 months. This, aided by falling gold prices and a 10-year-high consumer confidence, are making many long-time residents in the UAE upbeat about a Diwali like before.
“We live in a great and culturally diverse city like Dubai where everything is special about Diwali. Be it shopping or decoration or food, we get every vibe of Diwali. We get special discounts in every jewellery and apparel stores. We get variety of Indian sweets and savouries. This is that time of the year when we organise parties for our friends and family. We go out to see fireworks on Diwali night. So it’s a perfect combination of food, festivity and firework. All of this was a bit muted last year with high number of Covid cases and various restrictions but this year, it is going to be like before,” said Sudhashree Dash, a Dubai resident for over a decade.
With the festival of lights just three days away, many like Dash have already gone on their customary Diwali shopping spree. And not all of them are buying candles and lanterns for the festival of lights. “I am planning to buy some gold jewellery for my wife this Diwali, something I had held off for a long time owing to the Covid situation. But the time for it seems just about right,” said Alok Behera, an Abu Dhabi-based engineer buoyed not just by fresh prospects at his new job but also recent fall in gold prices.
The bullion dollar story
Gold prices on Monday morning dipped, extending the previous session’s losses with the dollar strengthening. According to top retailers, this not only means more Indian rupees against the UAE dirham for an expat remitting money but also greater boost to customer confidence.
Spot gold fell 0.1 per cent to $1,781.78 per ounce on Monday morning, after slipping to an over one-week trough on Friday while US gold futures dropped 0.1 per cent to $1,782.80.
In the UAE, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group data showed 24K trading at Dh216.0 per gram, 22K at Dh203.0, 21K at Dh193.75 and 18K at Dh166.0 per gram on Monday morning. Yet retailers in the country are don’t seem to mind.
Expats, retailers upbeat about Diwali in UAE
“Diwali and the subsequent six months are all about festivities and celebrations. With the ease of restrictions and tourists returning, we are seeing a considerable increase in footfall across all our stores and we are expecting a significant transformation in the market in the coming weeks as well. The overall consumer sentiment is about celebrating important festivals with family and friends as well as being part of events like weddings and related celebrations, that have become more frequent in the UAE,” said Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Operations of top UAE gold retailers Malabar Gold & Diamonds, also a BIS certified Indian jewellery group headquartered in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
“Regardless of the gold price, it is a good time for consumers to invest in gold, considering the diverse collections and attractive offers we have launched as part of the festive season. With Dhanteras falling on November 2, we expect a good sale with our customers making the best use of this opportunity,” he added, hinting at the general festive mood of the country with several big-ticket events including Expo 2020 Dubai and ICC Men’s World T20 currently taking place in the UAE.
Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of the Dubai-based Kanz Jewels echoed similar sentiments. “We are very optimistic especially with the flights open and the tremendous response of the Expo 2020 so far. Diwali is also an auspicious time to buy jewellery and the wedding season is just around the corner so we expect sales to be very good especially with the designs and offers we have for our clients this time,” he added while indicating that the drop in the recent gold rate was an added incentive for potential buyers of gold jewellery.
“We are certainly looking to achieve numbers of 2019 or perhaps even better this year,” he said, emphasizing that the “post-pandemic era” had already begun in UAE with all the top events taking place.
“The world is very positive about the upbeat momentum UAE has been able to create through its miraculous handling of COVID-19 whereby placing the country on the forefront of global tourist wish-list. We already see double digit growth across our jewellery stores since summer this year and expect this only continue into the upcoming festive (Diwali) season,” added Karim Merchant, the Managing Director of another UAE company Pure Gold Jewellers.
There’s glitter in retail too
However, it’s not all about gold. Many UAE retailers, hypermarkets and supermarket chains have been riding the festive wave for weeks leading up to the big Diwali day celebrations on November 4. “We have done brisk business with our daily sales topping Dh2,000 (INR 40,000 approx.) since we expanded with our second outlet here with Diwali in mind and life’s good,” said Amit Madak who runs the newly-opened Indian goods store selling Diwali items in the busy Abu Shagara area of the emirate of Sharjah. “This wasn’t the case last time around,” added Madak who comes from Pokhara in Nepal that’s represented by a significantly huge Diwali celebrating Hindu population in UAE.
Presenting a magical afternoon of traditional performances. DJ George will keep the crowd moving with his eclectic Bollywood Mix and Retro tunes to bring out the spirit of Diwali...reports Asian Lite News.
The Piece Hall is helping communities across Calderdale celebrate Diwali with a daylong festival of music, food, dance and of course light. The Festival of Lights is observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
It also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, and marks new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. The Courtyard of the Grade I-listed cultural venue will be alive with traditional Indian music and dance, alongside vegetarian food stalls, family crafts and even a meditation session. Grade I-listed building, The Piece Hall, in Halifax, is a rare and precious thing.
“Diwali is such a beautiful festival and this year more than ever it feels so important to celebrate light over darkness and new beginnings,” said Chief Executive of the Piece Hall Nicky Chance-Thompson DL. The courtyard will be alive with energy as we mark this event, that is so important to many of our communities. There’ll be delicious food, dynamic performances and some down time too, with a meditation workshop for quiet reflection. And what a backdrop The Piece Hall is for a glistening lantern display, which will finish the celebrations as night falls.”
Annapurna Indian Dance will be presenting a magical afternoon of traditional performances. DJ George will keep the crowd moving with his eclectic Bollywood Mix and Retro tunes to bring out the spirit of Diwali.
Delicious, warming Indian street food will be available from Simply Delish, Mumbai Bites, Shree Krishna Vada Pav and Kenyan Chevdo authentic Indian Bhel Puri.
A simple and accessible mindfulness session will be run by world renowned Black Lotus who are famed for their impactful meditation app and mission to create a better world for today and tomorrow. And embracing the spirit of the festival, lantern making workshops will be held suitable for the whole family.
Managing Director of HereandNow365 (Multicultural Marketing) Manish Tiwari is co-producing the event: “Diwali is an abbreviation of ‘Deep-a-vali’ which essentially means a festival of lights and marks the victory of good triumphing over evil; a mastery of human virtues over various temptations and is a reminder that we can overcome them we can become a better version of ourselves.
“The pandemic and its aftermath have left our communities saddened and hence, the festival this year is a ray of hope to usher in a New Year of love and faith. We need our communities to stand with each other and become the beacon of hope lighting up lives around us. This year, The Piece Hall will be that beacon where we not just celebrate but also ‘Light Up Lives’ collectively for all.”
The event is free to enter and takes place on Saturday 6 November 2021 between 11-5pm.
Dating from 1779 and the sole survivor of eighteenth-century northern cloth halls, which saw the trading of ‘pieces’ of cloth (a 30-yard length of woven woolen fabric produced on a handloom), The Piece Hall was the most ambitious and prestigious building of its type and is truly iconic.
Re-opened on 1 August 2017, The Piece Hall has since welcomed more than eight million visitors through its historic gates. It is now an award-winning contemporary leisure, retail, cultural and heritage destination, and the beating heart of a world-class cultural quarter within the town centre.
The 66,000 sq ft open air piazza hosts a year-round programme of events including large-scale music and sporting activities and food and drink festivals. In 2021, this has included the Live at The Piece Hall series of gigs, which saw renowned artists including New Order, the Kaiser Chiefs and the Manic Street Preachers perform at the venue.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney during Diwali celebration at Capitol Hill
The program included the traditional Diwali ‘Diya’ lighting and remarks from several elected and appointed leaders in federal government and lawmakers …reports Reena Bhardwaj
Top official of the White House and influential US lawmakers together with members of the Indian diaspora gathered for the Diwali celebration on Capitol Hill.
The annual reception was hosted by Indiaspora that also honoured some of the top Indian Americans in the Biden administration including Vice Admiral Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Neera Tanden, Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary to President Joe Biden.
“Diwali is about light overcoming darkness, and there has been a lot of darkness in the last year and a half. To be able to celebrate Diwali, to talk about the meaning, to talk about the light in oneself and the light in others in these tough times, means a lot and I’m grateful to be here,” the Surgeon General told ANI.
“But one of the things that concerns me most about the last few years is another type of pandemic, the invisible pandemic that we are in the midst of. That’s a pandemic of polarisation where it feels increasingly people have turned against each other, where they have demonised one another, called each other evil and treated each other as so. That’s a particular kind of darkness,” he said.
The program included the traditional Diwali ‘Diya’ lighting and remarks from several elected and appointed leaders in federal government and lawmakers. Congressman Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also addressed the gathering and greeted the community.
“As an Indian American to see the Diwali celebrations getting bigger at the Hill, is not just about Indian Americans but also members of the Congress both Republicans and Democrats. Diwali is about coming together and enlightenment, that’s something to remember, ” Congressman Bera told ANI.
The event also witnessed an interfaith prayer service that was attended by members of the Congress. Congressman James Clyburn, Steve Chabot, Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney praised the contribution of Indian Americans in the development of the US and stressed the significance of Diwali in a post-Covid-19 world.
“The Congressmen at the gathering are not just Indian Americans, we have African American, Chinese American mainstream American Congressman. It’s historic that such a diverse group of congressmen are supporting us, ” M.R. Rangaswami founder Indiaspora told ANI.
“We are honoured to celebrate Diwali on Capitol Hill and share our traditions with the leaders who have dedicated themselves to serving the public. The Indian diaspora has had a profound impact on American society, and their diverse contributions continue to strengthen our nation,” said Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director of Indiaspora.
American actress and singer Mary Millben was also present to celebrate Diwali at Capitol Hill. The singer performed the ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare’ rendition for the diaspora and community members too crooned the hymn with the singer.
“To see folks come all over the country to celebrate Diwali is so beautiful and meaningful to me. I have a strong relationship with the people of India. It’s a very full-circle moment for me to be with people whom I love and a culture that I love, I am delighted to be here,” Mary told ANI. (ANI)
Monumental efforts went into preparing the six-hour-long program that has been showcased on the screen overseeing the square, a report by Ragasudha Vinjamuri
Virtual performances highlighting the cultural variety have been screened as part of celebrations of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, celebrating the festival differently this year.
Monumental efforts went into preparing the six-hour-long program that has been showcased on the screen overseeing the square.
Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
Themed Tribute and Triumph, the celebrations, supported by the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority, still involved food stalls, theatrical elements, and lighting installations on the square that have been enjoyed by the attendees.
Performers from different parts of the world have been involved in on-screen presentations, who have interestingly made the videos with the background of monuments, & places of interest and importance.
The program was enriched by the messages from Sister Shivani of Brahma Kumaris, Nitin Palan of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ranu Mehta Radia of Sai School, Chinmaya Mission, City Hindus Network, and other dignitaries.
Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
Songs, Bhajans, Aarti, Dances, Yoga, and cooking demonstration by presenters across different age groups were interesting. Aum Jai Jagadeesha Hare was sung by the members of the Diwali in London Committee.
The program was enjoyed by the wider communities and diaspora members in the UK and beyond and was streamed live on FaceBook and YouTube.
Asda’s Diwali selection has everything covered, whether you’re looking for snacks and treats, simple cooking from the frozen range or a complex list of ingredients to prepare your favourite meal. You don’t need to look any further as the shelves are stocked with your favourite brands at an affordable price that’ll make all your preparations a breeze
As the time to start preparing for your Diwali celebrations approaches, ASDA is there for you with a range of Diwali ingredients, treats and essential supplies that’s bigger and better than ever. Enjoy reuniting with your family and friends this year for an extra-special and memorable festive period without any worries, thanks to ASDA’s selection of all your favourite products and trusted brands all under the same roof.
This year, it just got even easier to find everything you need for the perfect Diwali celebration, with 35 ASDA stores in key areas featuring a Diwali product range in the seasonal aisle for the first time, gathering all your most trusted brands in one easy-to-browse location in-store and making it easier for you to get ready to celebrate. You can also shop Asda’s Diwali range online HERE.
Visit your nearest ASDA to begin stocking up on your favourite Diwali snacks, treats and supplies, or head to asda.com to browse your Diwali essentials from anywhere.
Asda’s Diwali selection has everything covered, whether you’re looking for snacks and treats, simple cooking from the frozen range or a complex list of ingredients to prepare your favourite meal. You don’t need to look any further as the shelves are stocked with your favourite brands at an affordable price that’ll make all your preparations a breeze.
This festive season, you can pick up a 10kg pack of Medium Elephant Atta for only £6, or East End’s finest Chakki Atta for £5.50, as well as a 10kg bag of Trophy’s Basmati Rice for just £10.50, allowing you to purchase your bulk ingredients with ease. Cupboard essentials are equally affordable, with a Rubicon 4 litre pack selling for £4.50 and any 3 KTC tins for just £1.
ASDA is excited to help you celebrate the festival of lights and ensure everything is as easy, convenient, and affordable as possible in the run up to the festival so you can focus on what’s important – celebrating with your family, friends and loved ones. Visit your nearest ASDA to begin stocking up on your favourite Diwali snacks, treats and supplies, or head to asda.com to browse your Diwali essentials from anywhere.
