Tag: DIWALI

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The Piece Hall Lights Up Lives for Diwali

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.

ALSO READ-Top officials, lawmakers celebrate Diwali at Capitol Hill

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-Top News India News USA

Top officials, lawmakers celebrate Diwali at Capitol Hill

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)

ALSO READ: Diwali on Trafalgar Square returns differently in 2021

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-Top News India News London News

Diwali on Trafalgar Square returns differently in 2021

(Photo_Twitter@SadiqKhan)

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.

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.

  • Presentation on the screen
  • Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
  • Diwali on Trafalgar Square Celebrations
  • (Photo_Twitter@SadiqKhan)
  • (Photo_Twitter@SadiqKhan)
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Asia News Community Diaspora

ASDA has more to offer you for Diwali than ever!

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.