The final plans are coming together for the Aylesbury’s Festival of Lights celebration. The Holy Cow Community team and our sponsors cannot wait to see you on the afternoon of Saturday 13 November at Discover Bucks Museum!
How will we be celebrating Diwali?
This community festival has everything you would expect from a joyous celebration. We invite you to join workshops, enjoy dance and music performances and browse the displays and stalls.
The event is free to attend, however, we encourage you to book an admission slot to help us manage numbers.
Programme of events
A Warm Welcome
Aylesbury’s Festival of Lights 2021 will kick off at midday with Bri Nandana Chaitanya Ji of Arsha Dipa’s opening prayers to wish that all goes well throughout the afternoon’s celebrations.
Calming Yoga & Meditation
The grand Georgian Room at the Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is the venue for Yoga and Meditation taster sessions by Art of Living instructors.
The first yoga/meditation session will be at 12.30pm, and is repeated every hour, until the last session at 4.30pm.
In the neighbouring Pebble Lane room, the Brahma Kumaris organisation offer a variety of guided meditation themes throughout the afternoon.
Numbers are limited for these small group sessions, so ensure you plan your visit in advance.
Uplifting Music
The Museum is one of Aylesbury’s oldest buildings and this will be showcased in the historic Tudor room. This is the venue for the Bansuri ( Bamboo Flute) by Probuddha Basu and the Sitar demonstrations by Mamta Sharma and their students
You can listen to the flute performances at 12.20pm, 1.10pm, 2.10pm, 3.10pm and 4.10pm
Sitar performances will be held at 12.40pm and every hour until 4.40pm
Dhol drummers will liven up the outdoor stage at 3.00pm; a rousing introduction to the afternoon’s speeches to be delivered by Buckinghamshire’s High Sheriff George Anson and Aylesbury’s Mayor Cllr Anders Christenson amongst others. This will be followed by the Diya lighting ceremony.
Dynamic Dancers
Our outdoor stage in the Museum’s walled garden is the setting for dance performances and interactive demonstrations. Watch the professionals – then join in!
We are delighted that K’z Dance, Jay Kumar and Abhinaya Fine Arts Dance will be keeping us moving all afternoon.
Delightful Stalls and Activities
Explore the museum and you will discover a whole host of activities and stalls including a display of colourful Rangoli decorations, henna painting, sari dressing and Diya painting with Madhubani Art. You will also find beautiful gifts for family and friends.
Mouth watering street food by Mr Bombay & aromatic Masala Chai by Holy Cow Tea
Within walking distance from the Discover Bucks Museum is the Queens Park Arts Centre where Diwali storytelling and illustration activities will take place, they will be running shadow puppet-making activities alongside storytelling. This venue is also hosting their Artist & Maker’s Fair, where you can discover many more stallholders. Aylesbury is the place to be on Saturday 13 November!
Join the Celebrations!
Whether Diwali is the most important date in your diary or you have never experienced the festival of light before, you are welcome. Simply bring a smile and join in with the afternoon’s activities.
Wishing you joy, health and prosperity, from the trustees Poonam, Vicky & Julia, and the rest of the Holy Cow Community Festival of Lights Committee
Visit the Holy Cow Community website for more details about the event and the stories behind this important annual celebration.
