DIWALI, the Hindu festival of light, will be celebrated in Chester this Saturday, October 20.
Starting at noon, the colourful parade organised by the Sanjhi Indian Association leaves the Town Hall Square, making its way to Eastgate Street for a display of traditional Indian dancing at 12.30pm.
The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Alex Black said: "Please join us to celebrate the festival of light. The Diwali festival can be relied on to have spectators dancing along with the musicians and dancers. Cheshire West and Chester Council is pleased to be supporting the celebrations again this year".
Workshops including Rangoli Diwali art cards, Diya Indian candles, Henna hand painting and Indian face painting take place from 2pm-3pm at the Unity Centre in Cuppin Street where there will also be Indian food available from £3.
Sarika Kaushik, chairperson of Sanjhi Indian Association, said: "Diwali is an international festival celebrated across the world. We look forward to bringing the parade and dancers to Chester city centre each year.
"Our dancers have been rehearsing for many months and always get such an enthusiastic welcome when they perform in Eastgate Street."
The Diwali celebrations will include the Sai Mayur Dance, Lalitas Namaste India dance and BandBaja, UK.
Sarika added: "I'd like to thank the Sanjhi volunteers, Cheshire West and Chester Council, RK sweets Preston, Manasa's Bollywood Muvs, Sai Mayur Dance, Lalitas Namaste India dance, CHAWREC, Band Baja UK. Our Diwali celebration wouldn't be possible without their contribution."
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