AN ALL-SINGING, all-dancing, all-crafting celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, took place in Reading town centre on Saturday.
The Broad St. Mall was the venue for a day of activities for all ages.
{{{image.898679}}}
It included a visit from Kala The Arts, some Indian dance displays and Dhol drumming performances.
A craft table allowed people to make Diya lamps – small clay pots, painted in bright colours and filled with oil. These are traditionally lit during Diwali, symbolising prosperity in the new year.
And rangoli – colourful patterns displayed on the floor – were made using a mix of materials including rice.
There was also a free Henna hand decoration activity.
Dance companies that took part included Roshni by Sonia Sabri Company, musicians, and Kala The Arts dancers Kali Chandrasegaram, Sushmita Pati and Showmi Das who performed Sapta. This was choreographed by Kala’s artistic director Sushmita Pati.
Sapta means seven, the colours of rainbow, the horses of Surya from northern hemisphere, the musical notes, the planets, and deeper conversations and energies created by dancers.
Sushmita Pati, artistic director at Kala The Arts, said: “There were also Kala’s excellent Odissi students performing and excellent Dhol drummers entertaining hundreds of crowds. The whole of Broad St. Mall was so packed as audiences watched.
{{{image.898691}}}
“Audience members told us they hadn’t seen anything like this before, with some coming for 10 minutes and staying for four hours.”
Before the event she said: “It is lovely to see the community come together to share this beautiful South Asian arts and culture festival.
“Thank you so much to the centre team at Broad St. Mall for making this happen.”
This view was echoed by Steven Connolly, centre manager, who said ahead of the festivities: “We’re excited to invite visitors to enjoy a day of Diwali celebrations. This event is for everyone to enjoy and learn all about this vibrant culture.”
