Thousands of Londoners will head to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 19 October for this year's Diwali on the Square celebrations. Trafalgar Square will be transformed with magical light displays that will provide the backdrop to a colourful entertainment programme with music and dance performances. The event will take place between 3pm and 8pm. Diwali, the festival of lights, has religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and is celebrated by many communities throughout the capital.

Mayor, Boris Johnson said: “Diwali is a wonderful festival that can be enjoyed by every community, and I am delighted that Trafalgar Square will again play host to Diwali on the Square on Sunday 19th October. Diwali is an occasion of great significance to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, but with its underlying themes of peace, renewal and co-operation, it has relevance and meaning for all Londoners. I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali."

Visitors to the event will have the chance to learn to dance the 'garba', a traditional circular dance and enjoy an opening ceremony where lamps will be lit to the sound of Diwali songs. As part of the show, the theme of ‘dance’ will be celebrated, in many styles. The line-up will include Kathak from North India, Oddissi dancers from Orissa, classical Bharata Natyam, contemporary dance, and a touch of Bhangra. Performers will include: Saraswati Academy of Indian Dance, Akademi, Encee Academy of Performing Arts, Apsara, Mudralaya and Kala - The Arts. There will also be musical medleys from Chinmaya Mission and a live performance of Jay Kumar’s Diwali anthem song.

To coincide with the event, the National Gallery will be holding a Festival of Light, inspired by the festival of Diwali. Here there will be a range of activities open to the public. This includes a session where storytellers and musicians will retell Hindu stories, and draw connections between National Gallery paintings and the legends of Diwali.

Diwali on the Square 2008 (Programme is subject to change)

Time Activity
3pm-4pm Visitors can learn to dance the 'garba', a traditional circular dance.
4.30pm – 5pm Opening ceremony with lighting lamps & Diwali songs
5pm - 7.00pm Show performances - includes a celebration of dance styles, including kathak, classical, contemporary and bhangra.
7pm - 7.30pm Special presentation by Star TV
7.30pm – 8pm Traditional singing with lamps (‘Aarti’) and Grand Finale

Festival of Light: Diwali at the National Gallery

National Gallery
Date: Sunday 19 October
Cost: Sessions are free and open to visitors of all ages.
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Times Session
12.00 – 14.30 Storytelling Session
Storytellers and musicians from Sai School of Harrow retell Hindu stories, drawing connections between National Gallery paintings and the legends of Diwali.
13.00 – 13.35 Dance Session
Special dance performance from Annapurna Dance Company.
(See website for details) ‘Festival of Light’ Gallery Trail
As part of the celebrations, the National Gallery is launching a new trail, exploring the symbolism of light found in different traditions.