The Hindu festival of Diwali takes place later this month.
Known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the arrival of Lord Rama as he frees Queen Sita and defeats the evil Ravana. It is also celebrated by the Sikhs and Jains communities and represents the victory of light over darkness. Here's a round-up of where Diwali celebrations are taking place locally.
Harrow & Wembley
1) St Anns Shopping Centre : Celebrate the festival with a weekend full of activity for the family. There will be a Big Art Project running over both days, lantern decorating and light catcher art workshop. It's on October 18-19 and is free.
2) Diwali Festival exhibition : There's something for everyone at the two-day Diwali Festival exhibition being held at Harrow Leisure Centre. Visitors can enjoy Bollywood dancing, fashion shows, eat traditional Indian sweets and chat, and there will also be mehendi decorations. When: 10-8pm, October 18-19; Cost: £3;
3) St George's Shopping Centre lantern making workshop: The shopping centre in Hill Crescent, Harrow will host a free lantern craft workshop for kids. It will take place on the ground floor opposite Frankie & Benny's. Particiapnts will get the chance to make their own paper lanters, complete with a battery powered candle, which they can take home with them. When: Midday-4pm, October 18; Free.
4) The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasdon hosts the largest Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations in the country. The temple will be open all day and there will be a fireworks display at Gibbons Park between 8.30-9pm. Where: Brentfield Road, Neasdon, NW10 9LD; When: October 23; Cost: Free
5) Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple , Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, near Watford, WD25 8EZ : Be one of 15,000 attending Diwali celebrations at the temple. Visitors will be treated to a day of colourful Indian dramas, traditional dance performances, face painting and henna. Festivities will culminate with a grand fireworks display at 6.30pm. When: 2-6.30pm, October 26; Cost: Free.
Uxbridge:
1) Diwali Celebration: Classical Indian dance and music will be among the highlights of this family dinner. Other things to look forward to are a small fireworks display, games for children and a three-course vegetarian dinner. Where: Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Centre Hall, Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton, UB7 9JL; When: 5pm – 10pm, October 25; Cost: £10 (Under 10s free). Call: 07502 227115 for tickets.
Ealing:
1) Suron Ka Khazana, celebrating Eid and Diwali. Among those performing are Krishna Patel, Shama Akhter and Shahid Abbas Khan, plus special VIP guest singers. Where: The Royal Nawaab, Hoover Building, Western Avenue, Perivale, UB6 8DW; When: October 18; Cost: £35-45 (tickets must be purchased in advance). See: http://prkpromotions.com/?p=2097
2) Singapore UK Association (SUKA) Diwali Dinner. Enjoy an evening of fine Indian food in up-market Knightsbridge. Great entertainment is promised, as are great raffle prizes.Where: Shezan Restaurant, 16-22 Cheval Place, Knightsbridge, SW7 1ES; When: 7pm, November 1; Cost: SUKA members £25, non-members £35.
Central London:
1) Diwali in London 20014: A day of fun-filled events and activities take place beneath the gaze of Horatio Nelson. This year’s packed programme of events includes free music and dance from community groups and professional artists on the main stage, food stall and a range of child-friendly activities. Other activities include sari dressing, Punghra dance classes, children’s theatre and kids foot parade. You can also hunt for a bargain at the Indian Bazaar or be pampered in the Asian beauty zone. Where: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN; When: October 12; Cost: Free
Hounslow:
1) Spellbound at Asda: is the story of Diwali which will be played out for the general public in the centre of Hounslow. Inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana, it follows the destiny of Rama and Sita and the twist of fate that sees their future placed in peril. The event is put on by outdoor performance specialists Walk the Plank starts with a procession from ASDA at 6pm following the play at 6.30pm. Where: ASDA and Bell Square, Hounslow; When: 6.00pm, October 25; Cost: Free.
2) Diwali dinner and dance. The Ashoka Bar in Hounslow hosts a Diwali dinner and dance over two nights in October. Entertainment will come in the form of belly dancers, a live dhol player and Bollywood, Bhangra and R&B music. Where: The Ashoka Bar, 8 Cavindish Parade, Hounslow West, TW4 7DJ; When: 7pm – Late, October 24-25; Cost: £20.
