Things Are Hotting Up!
There might be a chill in the air but we’ve got a way to heat things up! Come and join us at this year’s Festival of Lights in Aylesbury on Sunday 3 November. You are assured a warm welcome.
This community celebration is open to everyone! No matter what your age or culture, you can get involved. Would you love to have your hand henna painted, try yoga or learn a few Bollywood dance moves? Are you keen to see traditional Indian performances of music and dance? Maybe, you would love to be dressed in a colourful sari or make a lantern with local Madhubani Artist Harsha Basu
All this and more will be part of a fun-filled afternoon held at the Discover Bucks Museum in Church Street, Aylesbury. The venue has a limited capacity, so we ask everyone to book a ticket in advance. When booking you have the option to pre-order a cup of freshly brewed Masala Chai and Samosa. The delicious, spicy flavours will keep you glowing from the inside out!
What is the Festival of Lights?
Aylesbury’s Festival of Lights is inspired by Diwali, a Hindu celebration that marks the power of light over darkness. At this time of year, family, friends and neighbours join together to share food, music and prayer. Homes are adorned with rangoli art and decorations, while people take the opportunity to dress in beautifully ornate, traditional costumes.
Poonam Gupta had a vision to create a community event back in 2017. Since then, people from the local community have helped her to make it happen. This year, the trustees joining Poonam are Julia, Prasshy, Kelvin, Kishor and Ranjula as Patron. They have worked with funding partners, The Anson Charitable Trust, The Rothschild Foundation, Photo Hello, Discover Bucks Museum & Holy Cow Home & Tea to plan a joyous event for everyone to enjoy.
If you’ve been before, you’ll be delighted to know that Dhol Movement, K’z Dance, Jay Kumar, Henna Art and Art of Living Yoga will be returning. New for this year is , children taught by Swamini Chideka Ji of Arsha Dipa will perform opening prayers.
Bring some money so you don’t miss out on the street food, snacks, henna, facepainting and craft stalls!
The Festival of Lights kicks off at midday and it will conclude when the sun goes down. Our farewell takes the form of interactive Bollywood dance by Jay Kumar and team with a lantern procession moving through the museum gardens to the rhythm of the Dhol drums
When is Diwali Celebrated?
This year, Diwali falls on Friday 1 November and Hindu communities around the globe will be uniting in joy to keep the darkness at bay. It is one of five days of celebration.
The Traditional Diwali celebration includes:
Day of Fortune – Dhanteras, on this day, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune is honoured and metal gifts are exchanged to represent prosperity.
Day of Knowledge – Naraka Chaturdasi, the day to adorn the entrances to homes and temples with rangoli patterns to welcome visitors and bring good fortune.
Day of Light – Diwali, acknowledging the day Lord Rama rescued his wife from evil forces, candles, lanterns and wonderful firework displays keep the light throughout the night.
New Year’s Day – Annakur marks the start of the new Hindi year and it is marked with a Temple feast. Edible offerings are presented to Ganesh, the God of new beginnings.
Day of Siblings – Bhai Duj, is dedicated to siblings and it is traditional for brothers to visit their sister’s homes and bring them gifts.
A Community Event
We live in a multi-cultural town and this community event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about traditional Hindu culture in the most wonderful way. It’s a full sensory experience that brings a smile to everyone’s faces and warmth in their heart. It is the perfect way to spend an Autumn day, so we’d be delighted if you book and join us!
If you still need convincing to get your ticket, why not read about last year’s event?
