320 guests came together to celebrate a sold-out Diwali event at Jain Samaj Manchester for a truly memorable and magical evening, bringing together four generations of families to celebrate in one community event.
Highlights included a flag hoisting to celebrate 75 years of Indian Independence, followed by a magical Vadil Bahuman ceremony and Diwali festivities.
The Vadil Bahuman ceremony was a truly unique and special addition to the concept of this annual programme. In recognition of India’s 75 years of Independence, elderly members of the samaj, who had been born on or before India’s Independence Day (making them 75 years or over), were celebrated for their invaluable contribution to the community.
Jain Samaj Manchester was honoured to receive forty Vadil registrations, with the eldest being 91 years of age. Each elderly VIP was invited on stage with a representative from their family and presented with a personalised certificate of appreciation, symbolic shawl and badge of the Indian flag as a token of appreciation from the Samaj.
The family representative who accompanied the Vadil on stage also presented personal and heart-warming message of love and gratitude.
The event included spectacular music, dhol players and colourful Bollywood dance performances from all ages. Some elderly VIPs were even overwhelmed with attention, excitement and emotion and were seen with tears of joy and happiness.
The event sponsors officially opened the evening by cutting a ribbon to symbolize the promise of a memorable and fun night, lighting diya and hoisting the Indian flag. All the guests sang both the British and the Indian national anthems.
On this auspicious day and in honour of the 40 Vadils, Jain Samaj Manchester also contributed to a charity in India to save 40 animals from being sent to a slaughterhouse.
