For the first time in history, festive lights in Kingston Market Place, New Malden High Street and Surbiton Town Centre were switched on to celebrate Diwali this year. Kingston Guildhall and the Hook Centre were also floodlit as part of this important Hindu festival.
The Mayor and Mayoresses, Roy, Manisha & Sonali Arora, invited residents to join them in the Town Centre to watch the lights come on and enjoy some festive time together. Hundreds of Kingston residents turned up, despite the heavy rain, to celebrate and mark this historic event with prayers, garba dancing, bhangra dancing and singing. During the evening, there was also a mini food market, Indian sweets and henna stalls for residents to enjoy.It was a truly memorable evening.
Councillor Roy Sanjeev Arora, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, who orchestrated this event, said:
“I’m thrilled that, for the first time in the history of our borough, town centres and some of our municipal buildings have been lit up in celebration of Diwali.”
“As a multi-cultural, multi-faith community, I feel this is an important step in making all of our residents feel engaged and integrated.”
“I am delighted that so many residents have come along and joined us in the Market Place for this festival of lights, joy and peace.”
“A big thank you to Kingston residents and our Partners for supporting this important historic event – a number of different communities and organisations worked hard to make this possible.”
The event was supported by Kingston Council, Kingston First, the Sarvoday Hindu Association, Surbiton Business Community and The Rotary Club.
