Diwali celebration brings a taste of Indian to Longford

Saturday week the Longford Indian community hosts a spectacular event that invites everyone from all communities to share the joys and wonders of the Diwali celebration.

“This is the second year we have organised the Diwali celebration in Longford,” Swetha Shashikumar of the Longford Indian Community told the Leader, “It will take place on November 2 at Temperance Hall.”

Diwali is the festival of lights, a vibrant celebration of togetherness, culture, and new beginnings, and this year’s event promises to be filled with beautiful performances, traditional rituals, and cultural showcases.

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Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. In a multicultural and diverse country like India, everyone has their own way of celebrating this festival.

“We are aiming to bring the Indian community and other communities together in celebration. This is a special event for the Indian community and our friends here in Longford, and we would love to share this cultural celebration with the broader public.”

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The gathering is a ticketed event: “We have limited tickets. We have received a lot of bookings so far and because we are limited to around 80 tickets plus children, the tickets are very much in demand,” Swetha says.

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Celebrating Diwali is very important: “In India, it's a big, big festival for all of us. We start by cleaning our homes, we get negative energy out of our homes. Then everybody gathers, families gather together, and we make sweets.

“Cooking is a large part of the celebration. We burn crackers, there are fireworks, it's a vibrant festival and a joyous family get-together. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It's a time for joy, renewal and togetherness.”

Swetha hopes to see many people take part in this year's event: “The ticket includes the three course Indian meals. That meal is the main highlight for many. Apart from the cultural performances and activities, fun games, like bingo and there will be henna art, and raffles in the evening.”

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For more details and to buy tickets call: 089 963 5904