Diwali Celebrations in Oxford

Saturday 13th was Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, and the Malayalam Cultural Community celebrated in great style at the Asian Cultural Centre. The whole building was decorated with candles and the evening ended with exciting fireworks. Before this there was an excellent programme with some of their children showing dances. Very good performances of ragas by Dave an English Sitar player and an Indian Violin player - they hope to play at Cat Weasel soon - and Tabla players with a Scottish Dave and an Indian who have learnt to play through the class run by the Cultural Society. The highlights were the two beautiful traditional dancers in fantastic dresses with bells round their ankles. Towards the end lovely food was handed round and we went outside to see the fireworks which are an important part of these celebrations. Next year they hope to go to a larger venue and so more people will be welcome to join in enjoy this lovely event.

Sarah L