Saturday (October 20th) saw Birmingham hold its second “Diwali on the Square” Celebration in Victoria Square Birmingham. Diwali is an ancient festival that's celebrated every year and is also known as Deepavali meaning the Festival of Lights. Last year’s inaugural event was so successful that the West Midlands Combined Authority have once again joined forces with the Consulate General of India to hold this free family-friendly event to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
The star of this years show is The King of Bhangra Malkit Singh whoo performed along with other live singers and dancers, He has sold millions of records worldwide and was honoured on the Broad Street Walk of Stars in 2012.
Councillor Ewan Mackey said, “Birmingham’s 2nd Diwali in the Square was yet again a great experience with the singing, dancing, live performers and delicious food combining to create a fabulous family event.”
Ewan added: “Once more Birmingham demonstrated how vibrant diverse, inclusive and joyful the UK’s second City is. It was a privilege to attend the celebration of light winning against darkness. The festival is a great opportunity for the community to try new things out and a platform for artists to display their talents. I’m already looking forward Diwali in the Square 2019.”
Diwali is a five day festival celebrated by faiths throughout the Indian community to mark different historical events and stories but with all of them symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
It is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles in doors and windows of the home, around temples and other buildings, along with fireworks.