Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that accompany it differ across India. London Mayor celebrated Diwali on the square on 11 October. More than 35,000 people attended the event.
This year the theme of celebration, focussed on the legacies of valour, unity and sacrifice in pursuit of peace and freedom. Working alongside the National Army Museum, it commemorated the role the Indian sub-continent played in World War I, and paid tribute to the many brave soldiers of the British Empire and Commonwealth who served to protect that freedom, a number of whom lived to tell the tale.
A packed line up of the best in contemporary Asian music and dance were performed by artists and talented community groups. Traditional religious music and rites opened and closed the show.
The event also offered the chance to taste Asian vegetarian cuisine, sample the delights of festival sweets and drinks. Children could enjoy activities, buy colourful trinkets, don a sari and pose for interactive photo ops. Asian Voice paper was distributed to the visitors, free of charge.
Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix
