Bhangra music fills the air as hundreds flock to Soho Road’s Diwali celebrations

diwali1Bhangra music filled the air as hundreds of people flocked to Diwali celebrations in Birmingham.

Food stalls and dancing also entertained families as they turned out in their droves for Soho’s Festival of Light.

It was the first time the event had been staged after being organised by the newly-formed Soho Road BID.

The BID is home to 560 predominantly independent businesses stretching from Holyhead Road to Soho Hill – with an estimated local population of 250,000.

The crowd watch the performers at Diwali in Soho Road

BID manager Craig Bucky said: “We were so excited to be able to run our first community event.

“It’s been a lot of hard work and determination but it was a great celebration that the community can be proud of.”

BID chairman Dipak Patel said that more events were in the pipeline in a bid to improve the area.

“The long-term strategy is to make Soho Road an exciting place to work and live,” he said.

Diwali is an ancient Hindu festival that has been celebrated every autumn for thousands of years to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Also known as Deepavali and the Festival of Lights, it is observed on the new moon that starts the month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar.

In the Western calendar, it falls between mid-October and mid-November, and in 2014 is on Thursday, October 23.

Before Diwali night, people clean their homes and offices. On the night itself, Hindus dress in their best clothes. Lamps and candles are lit, fireworks are set off and there is a family feast and exchange of gifts.

Dhol drummer at Diwali in Soho Road

Birmingham City Council and the Hindu Council of Birmingham are to work together to stage Diwali celebrations on Sunday, November 16, from 2pm to 7pm at New Bingley Hall in Hockley Circus.

A spokesman said: “The hall will be transformed into a vibrant and colourful arena featuring a stage area where local artists will be presenting entertainment in the form of traditional dances, Bollywood songs, and bhangra.

“To keep the children entertained there will be a dedicated kids’ zone with face painting, cartoon shows, mask making, games, competitions and a music and dance workshop.

“There will be plenty of stalls selling arts and crafts, toys and there will be fireworks display to be enjoyed by all.”

Source: Birmingham Mail