On the 5th of October in the spirit of Diwali (which actually happened yesterday), at the riverside church in Wallington, people gathered for a day of celebration, browsing stalls filled with delicious food, handmade jewellery, colourful textiles, and festive decorations.
One of the highlights of the day was a food stall run by my mum and her family friends who coincidentally have the same name! Hence the name for the kitchen being Radhika’s spice kitchen. They served a range of mouth watering dishes that quickly became a favourite among visitors.
The event was a true reflection of the community’s diversity, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate Diwali and experience a bit of Indian culture. It wasn’t just about shopping or eating; it was about learning, connecting, and appreciating a tradition. For those of us who celebrated Diwali every year, it felt special to see others joining in, and for those new to the festival, it was an exciting introduction to its rich customs and delicious food.
Overall, the Diwali market at the Riverside Church in Wallington was a huge success, even being described by my mum as “Very satisfying to see people appreciating the taste and quality of our food”. It was inspiring to see how much everyone enjoyed the food, the stalls, and the spirit of the event. For my mum and her friend’s family, it was a memorable day of sharing their cooking and love for Diwali with others, and they’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year so hope to see you there!
