20,000 LONDONERS ENJOY DIWALI IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE
(7 November 2004)

This weekend’s annual Diwali on the Square event (Sunday 7 November 2004), was a lively, successful event attended by 20,000 visitors. Supported by the Mayor of London, the free celebration included light displays, free blessed Asian food, cultural dance and music performances, Sunrise DJ's, Zee TV presenters, a special screening of Mystic India, plus guest appearances from Radio 1's Bobby Friction & Nihal and pop star Raghav.

During the opening ceremony the mayor was joined by the Indian Minister of Tourism, Mrs Renuke Chowdhury and the Deputy High Commissionner, Mr Satyabrata Pal. They were led to the stage by the Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band, dresses in full Scottish kilts attire. After the welcoming speeches and prayers, glow in the dark balloons were released and decorative lights adorning Trafalgar Square were switched on. Over 10,000 people enjoyed plates of free delcious blessed food, consisiting of rice, samosas and chickpea dhal.