Thousands of Londoners will head to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 28 October for this year's celebrations to mark Diwali – the 'festival of lights'. Organised by the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Committee, the free event is open to all and will see the square transformed by magical light displays, floating lanterns, and music and dance performances.

Diwali on the Square runs from midday until 8pm with music and dance, including classical Bharata Natyam dances, traditional garba folk dancing, a fisherwoman's dance, a Jain dance and Bhangra. There will be also be dance representing symbols of India, including a peacock dance, a lotus dance, a snake dance and dances commemorating India's 60 years of independence.

Other attractions will include Sikh martial arts, a sari wearing demonstration, plus a fancy dress parade, and throughout the day there will be a range of stalls, offering tasty vegetarian food, a children's crafts corner, henna painting, an exhibition on Understanding Diwali, and much more.

The day will culminate with energetic dances and thousands of mini-lamps lit on the square in a recreation of the arrival of Lord Rama, whose liberation of Queen Sita and victory over the evil Ravana heralded the Golden Era of peace and non-violence.

The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: 'Diwali is an important occasion for London’s Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and represents the power of good to triumph over evil a theme that has relevance for all of London’s communities, because it signifies the value of co-operation and mutual respect between peoples of differing faiths and backgrounds. On this joyous occasion, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali.'

Organisations taking part in the celebrations include: Academy of Punjabi Heritage, Angel Dance School; Apsara Dancers; B4U; BAPS Swaminarayan School; Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University; Explosive Dhol 'n Dance, Manchester; Francis Cardoso and Co; Ishira; ISKCON; Oshwal Association of UK; Sai School of Harrow; Sapnay School of Dance; Karma from Imperial College; Shree Kutch Patel Leva Community; Shri Academy of Dance; Sujata Banerjee Kathak School and Sunrise Radio.

Children from north London schools will prepare a Floor Rangoli at Sai School of Harrow which will go on display at City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1, from Monday 22 October to Friday 9 November. Rangoli is an Indian art where homes are decorated in traditional Indian patterns using coloured rice, lentils and other materials.

SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

12pm – 2.45pm
The celebrations begin with traditional Indian garba folk dancing followed by Sikh martial arts display by Academy of Punjabi Heritage. Sari wearing demonstration and for those who come early, a free sari.

2pm - 2.15pm
Fancy Dress Parade - children should come dressed in amazing eastern inspired costumes to win the star prize!

3.30pm - 8.00pm Spectacular stage show with messages and prayers for peace, dance, music, and cultural performances by children and young people, plus magical light displays around the square. The stage show has the following themes:

- Music and Dance from states of India including classical Bharata Natyam dances, folk dances, a fisherwoman’s dance, a Jain dance and Bhangra.

- Symbols of India include a peacock dance, a lotus dance, a snake dance and dances commemorating India’s 60 years of independence.

- Welcoming Lord Rama and Diwali celebrations will recreate the arrival of Lord Rama, with energetic dances, culminating in thousands of mini-lamps being lit on the Square to herald the Golden Era of peace and non-violence.