The Festival of Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light will be celebrated in Chester on Saturday 31 October. The festival organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association starts at 11.45am with a colourful parade starting from Watergate Street, to Chester Town Hall Square and then to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30pm.

From traditional Indian dance to Bollywood performances, there will be dancing in the streets, and that's not just the performers. The parade starts on Watergate Street, making its way to Town Hall Square and then on to Eastgate Street. There is a fantastic programme of performances from dancers and musicians, along with opportunities for everyone to join in as the parade makes its way back to the Unity Centre.

Festival of Diwali

Parade starts: 11.45am Watergate Street, dances: 12.30 Eastgate Street

Programme:

• The Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Alan Smith declares the Diwali celebrations open.
• Dance – Children under 11 years by Suchitra Sharma and Group/Gejje dance
• Semi Classical dance – Sai Mayur dance school, Chester
• Bollywood dance medley- Sanjhi Ladies group
• Dance by Bank of America Group
• Bollywood dance medley- Lalita’s Namastey India Dance school, Northwich
• Bollywood dance medley – Manasa’s Gejje dance, Chester
• Workshops 2.30pm to 4pm, Unity Centre
• After the parade and celebrations in Eastgate Street, the festival continues at the Chester Unity Centre, Cuppin street where public workshops will be held between 2.30pm and 4pm. Henna hand painting, face painting, Diya making, Diwali art, Indian food stall and Indian craft stalls.