Tuesday 16 October 2007

Diwali Ready To Light Up Tameside!

With only days to go until the Tameside Diwali Celebrations the steering group are working harder than ever to make plans for the day. Tameside Council's Arts and Events Team are once again working in partnership with members of the Hindu community to make plans to celebrate India's Festival of Light. The Diwali steering group includes representatives from over 10 local Hindu organisations that meet every week to make plans for the day. Members of the public are invited to come along to the various lantern-making workshops before the event to build their own lantern ready for the big parade. The final workshop will take place on Monday, 22nd October at the Indian Community Centre on Union Road. There's no need to reserve a place, just drop in between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. The 2007 Diwali celebrations will take place on Sunday, 28th October and the focus this year is community celebration. Organisers are confident that it will be the biggest Diwali event Tameside has ever seen and hope that thousands of people will turn out to enjoy the entertainment. Plans for the day already include a massive lantern parade from Ashton Town Hall to the Indian Community Centre, the Diwali light switch on, community performances on a specially erected stage, delicious Indian food and much much more. Full details will be announced shortly. Diwali is the most important of the Hindu Festivals and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It's a chance for everyone in the community to celebrate and give thanks for all the good things in their lives.

4 comments:

Tameside Citizen said...

Diwali should not be confused with the Muslim festival of Eid. From my experience Diwali celebrations are usually bright and loud, but good natured. Anyone with first hand knowledge of Eid celebrations will no that non Muslims are not welcome, but at Diwali; all are welcome. Go along and enjoy.

Anonymous said...

Do you think there will be free food on offer?

Anonymous said...

Non-Hindus are welcome at Diwali in moderation. We welcome people of all faiths and none, but let us not forget that Diwali is a Hindu festival and not a free for all.

Anonymous said...

An interesting article to put on your website. The religious symbol of Hinduism is the Swastika. Is this a subliminal message you are sending out Mr. Taylor? Or are you trying to stir up racial tensions between ethnic groups in Tameside. This no doubt is to put the blame of any trouble squarely onto the shoulders of Roy West and the BNP.
You're right Danni(is that Minogue?)Diwali is a Hindu festival, but it is held to celebrate mankind, not just Hinduism.