A glittering Diwali celebration lights up Redhill. On Saturday 11th of November, Belfry Shopping Centre hosted a packed Diwali celebration, bringing more than just the Hindu community together, organised by the Asian Social Group, based in Redhill.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated in the Hindu calendar and holds cultural significance for many communities around the world. The word “Deepavali” means a “row of lights” which is fitting because Diwali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness. The festival typically lasts 5 days and falls anywhere between October and November, as it is based on the Hindu Lunar Calendar. In 2023, Diwali was celebrated on Sunday 12th of November and a local celebration in Redhill, occurred the day before.
Belfry Shopping Centre hosted numerous events, in honour of Diwali, celebrating South Asian culture. People living locally were encouraged to join to get a glimpse of Indian culture. Displays of henna art, Indian handicrafts, rangoli designs added colour to the atmosphere. Rangoli art is created using coloured powders, rice or flower petals to decorate porches with intricate designs to invite good luck. Henna paintings are complex patterns painted on the hands and forearms, typically on women. Henna is used to express joy, beauty and cultural identity. Other entertainment such as Bollywood music and dance performances added to the milieu.
Bhagyasree Kar, a member of the Redhill community, joined this celebration and stated “I’ve only lived in the UK for about a year now after moving from India. Diwali is such a special festival, especially in India. And I am so glad that I had the chance to celebrate it in my community.” Most importantly, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead played a significant role and lit up the Diya (lamp). As Diwali is the festival of lights, lamps and candles are lit up. The illumination symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. The Redhill community came together to celebrate good over evil.
As Diwali is a festival that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, it has become a symbol of joy and unity, resonating with various backgrounds all over the world.
