An evening of culture, dance, and togetherness on 28th September 2024 at South Leeds Stadium, Leeds
This September, the vibrant spirit of Navratri comes alive as Yorkshire hosts its biggest Pre-Navratri Garba Event, organised by Chiragi Bibas. The event promises a night filled with music, dance, cultural festivities, and culinary delights, all set to take place on 28th September 2024 at South Leeds Stadium, Leeds.
Doors will open at 7:00 PM, marking the start of an unforgettable evening that celebrates the rich traditions of Navratri and brings communities together. “Our Pre-Navratri Garba Event is more than just a celebration—it’s a vibrant gathering that brings the community together,” says Chiragi Solanki, the event organiser. “We are thrilled to see people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the dance, music, and food. It’s a wonderful way to experience the richness of our cultural heritage and celebrate unity in diversity.”
This event is a unique opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the vibrant traditions of Navratri. No previous Garba experience is required—everyone is welcome to join in the fun, whether you want to dance, watch, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. With a variety of food stalls offering delicious Indian delicacies such as Pani Puri, Bhel, Chaat, Vada Pav, and more—courtesy of catering partner Punjabi Heaven—there’s something for everyone. Plus, with free parking available, it’s easy to join in the festivities!
The Lord Mayor of Leeds and representatives from West Yorkshire Police will attend as special guests, highlighting the importance of this cultural event in promoting community spirit and unity. Their presence will reinforce the sense of inclusivity and togetherness that this event aims to foster, bringing people from all walks of life together to celebrate Navratri.
The evening’s main attractions are the traditional folk dances, Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are integral parts of Navratri celebrations. These dances, performed in circular formations with rhythmic movements to the lively beats of traditional music, create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Recognised by UNESCO as a cultural heritage that brings communities together, these dances symbolize the unity, joy, and vibrant spirit of the festival. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire to add to the colorful and authentic experience of the event.
Special guest Mayur Dave will deliver a performance, with RockOn Music and a live DJ from Soul Asia Roadshow also set to entertain the audience. The organisers pay tribute to Active Leeds for providing the fantastic venue, which serves as the perfect setting for this vibrant celebration.
Garba and Dandiya Raas are more than just dances; they are expressions of cultural heritage and communal harmony. Traditionally performed in circles around a central light or statue of Goddess Durga, these dances represent the cyclical nature of life and the continuous journey of seeking the divine. Their energetic movements and rhythmic beats create a sense of unity among participants, fostering a deep sense of community and celebration.
This event is proudly sponsored by SUFISCORE, with live entertainment provided by RockOn Music and Soulasia Roadshow, along with support from media partner Fever FM, ensuring a top-tier experience filled with vibrant entertainment and cultural enrichment.
Event Details
Date: 28th September 2024
Time: Saturday, 7:00 PM
Venue: South Leeds Stadium, LS11 5DJ
For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram at @chiragis_bibas and Facebook at Chiragi Solanki.
Business leaders, celebrities, and influencers attended the awards, which were presented by broadcaster and stand-up comedian, Noreen Khan. Featured guests included the doctor and TV personality, Dr Amir Khan…reports Asian Lite News
The winners of the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards (YAYA’s) were announced at a gala awards night on 17 November at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.
The awards were founded by Bradford-charity the QED Foundation and are supported by title sponsor, York St John University.
They celebrate young people aged 16 to 30 of South Asian heritage who were born in or live and work in Yorkshire, and who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage, or successfully broken through barriers, to become successful role models in their chosen fields.
YAYA awards host Noreen Khan with CEO of QED Dr Mohammed Ali and Deputy CEO Adeeba Malik
Over 30 nominees were in contention for the ten award categories.
Tanisha Jain, 20, from York won the Achievement in Sport award, sponsored by Janan.
Tanisha is the first Asian woman to be Sport Union President at the University of York. Tanisha has increased diversity for the BAME and LGBTQ communities at the university. She’s also treasurer for the Last Taboo, which helps victims of sexual violence.
Dr-Amir-Khan
Nusaybah Tufail, 22, was awarded the Achievement in Health, Mental Health, or Healthcare award, sponsored by the University of York.
Nusaybah lives in Bradford and works at Bradford Teaching Hospital on the neonatal ward. She is the first female in her family to have completed a university degree (in Children’s Nursing).
Mohammed Saeed, 19, who lives in Bradford, won the Achievement in Arts and Creative Industries, sponsored by the Science Media Museum.
YAY-winner-Umra-Andar
Mohammed was excluded from school and referred to the Pupil Referral Unit. He suffered mental health struggles during lockdown. Finding his passion in dance improved his well-being. He is completing his first year in Performing Arts at Bradford College.
Mahnoor Akhlaq was awarded Achievement in Media, sponsored by LocalIQ.
Mahnoor, 22, from Bradford, is a multimedia producer at Channel 4 News. A journalism graduate from the University of Leeds and a Royal Television Society Bursary recipient, she presents and covers stories on homelessness, poverty, and societal issues on Channel 4 News.
QED was founded in 1990 by Dr Mohammed Ali OBE. Today, the charity is a key player in ethnic minority issues at both national and international level.
Business leaders, celebrities, and influencers attended the awards, which were presented by broadcaster and stand-up comedian, Noreen Khan. Featured guests included the doctor and TV personality, Dr Amir Khan.
Video messages of support were also sent from high profile figures in their field, including the author Vaseem Khan, Professor Waqar Ahmad, footballer Kira Rai and the chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, Saleh Saeed OBE.
Mohammad Malik, 24, was awarded Achievement in Education, sponsored by PeopleCert.
He lives in York where he is studying a PhD in Politics at the University of York. From a council estate in Manchester, he previously pulled out of university due to caring commitments, but returned to do a postgrad. He has organised trips to refugee camps, as well as helping Afghan refugees to integrate in York. Malik provides mentorship for students who want to enter higher education.
Safura Said won the Private Sector/ Young Entrepreneur category, sponsored by Morrisons.
Safura, 29, who lives in Halifax, left an abusive marriage whilst pregnant. The abuse impacted her mental health, leading to self-harm and severe panic attacks, but she went on to raise her son as a single mother and qualified as a conveyancer. She is also involved with the empowering community, Muslim Hikers.
Safah Aftab, 17, from Bradford, was awarded Achievement in School or College, sponsored by Bradford Council.
Despite having ICF syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system – she completed her GCSEs and went on to college. In 2022, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. Despite it, she carried on and completed her exams. Her ambition is to study Human Rights’ Law at university.
Sadiya Salim received the Achievement in Public Sector award, sponsored by the Home Office.
Sadiya, 30, who lives in Leeds has worked at Leeds City Council for seven years, mainly for the Child Friendly Leeds Team. Sadiya has supported Syrian refugees and provided activities to Afghans housed in local hotels. She has volunteered with the charity Barca, which delivers transformational services to children and families in Leeds.
The Not-for-Profit sector award, sponsored by Barnardo’s, went to Samiyaa Ahmed, 21, from York.
She has volunteered in refugee hubs in York and Newcastle, taught English to refugees at Newcastle University, and volunteered in refugee camps in Calais, Greece, and France. She has completed an internship with an MP, aspiring to work in the Human Rights’ sector.
Dr Mohammad Ali OBE, CEO of the QED Foundation, said: “The YAYAs are more than just an awards scheme, they’re a campaign to inspire more young people to be successful. Many of this year’s YAYA winners have succeeded, despite having to cope with major challenges in life. All of the young people nominated are an inspiration to others, and are making vital contributions to society at large.”
Each year, the YAYAs celebrate an individual for Overcoming Life Obstacles, sponsored by the University of Bradford.
This year the award went to Mohammed Hamad, 26, from Bradford, who was born with a rare genetic disability called Fuhrmann syndrome – a type of skeletal dysplasia – which has left him wheelchair bound. Hamad is a graduate in Accountancy and Finance from the University of Bradford. He currently works for the NHS as a Purchase Ledger Officer.
The Overall Winner for 2023, sponsored by York St John University, went to Mariam Habib.
Mariam, 29, lives in Leeds and is studying for a BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care degree at the University of Huddersfield. She is studying whilst taking care of her son, who has multiple health conditions and is highly dependent on her. She also faced an abusive marriage while pregnant with her second child. Taking a year out to raise her two children, she returned to her studies a year later.
The night also featured an inaugural award for school children, the Yorkshire Asian Young (YAY) award, which went to 15 year-old Umra Andar from Belle Vue Girls Academy.
QED founded the awards four years ago. The YAYA’s have grown into a key event in the awards calendar.
