Diwali at Trafalgar Square

Posted by Harsh Nevatia Nov 4, 2007

Diwali (also known as Deepavali) is one of the most important festivals on the Hindu calendar. It commemorates the return of Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. The entire city of Ayodhya was lit up with oil lamps to celebrate Rama’s return and this concept is replicated in every Hindu home during Diwali.

The Hindu diaspora the world over also celebrates Diwali with fervor. Where the concentration of Hindus is high, the festival is celebrated by the community together. Local authorities have started to recognize the significance of this festival to their Hindu residents by promoting the collective celebration of Diwali.

One location where the celebration of Diwali has become an annual event is Trafalgar Square in London. The local authorities involved are the Mayor of London, Transport for London and Metropolitan Police Service. There are a large number of Hindu organizations that contribute to the festivities and cultural sponsors as well. Trafalgar Square is transformed by traditional Hindu floating lanterns and colorful Diwali decorations. The festivities are accompanied by traditional Indian dances and contemporary dances as well. Trafalgar Square takes an ethnic Indian look for the occasion with sari wearing demonstrations, henna application on hands and feet and many Indian vegetarian food stalls. Keeping in mind the religious nature of the occasion meat is excluded from the menu. This year a special event was the re-enactment of Rama’s return to Ayodhya. The religious aspect is not ignored. Messages and prayers for peace hold special importance in these times of religious strife.

Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square see the participation of a large number of non-Hindus as well. Hence these festivities, and others like these in other parts of the world, serve the larger religious goals of promoting brotherhood and peaceful co-existence.