{"id":39133,"date":"2020-11-13T15:30:11","date_gmt":"2020-11-13T15:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevoiceoflondon.co.uk\/?p=39133"},"modified":"2020-11-13T15:30:11","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T15:30:11","slug":"happy-diwali-why-the-festival-of-lights-is-looking-dim-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/thevoiceoflondon\/happy-diwali-why-the-festival-of-lights-is-looking-dim-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Diwali? Why the festival of lights is looking dim this year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lights, Camera… No action! \u2013 Has the pandemic dampened celebrations or are Londoners looking on the bright side?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diwali is the biggest celebration of the year for Hindus and Sikhs. Religiously, it represents a story of triumph, and for those who celebrate, it involves getting the whole family together. However, Diwali this year is occurring in the middle of lockdown 2.0.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/AsianJunctionUK\/status\/1325878052199469057?s=20<\/p>\n

This means no extended family gatherings, no street parties, and no Diwali in Trafalgar Square – the marquee celebration in London.<\/p>\n

The festival in the square attracts thousands of visitors each year and puts on live comedy acts, music performances, and an array of fresh Indian food stalls. It truly is a feast for the senses. Last year, the mayor of London attended to address the crowd which was a special touch. This was followed by a parade, and interactive workshops for the children to get involved with.<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t limited to religious observers only, there was a diverse mix of people who collectively wanted to partake in a celebration. So how do we celebrate this year?<\/p>\n

The Diwali in the square team have chosen to host a five-day virtual event, to keep spirits up and give people a chance to come together, albeit online.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/HartwigCare\/status\/1326920710011367424?s=20<\/p>\n

Below is the itinerary:<\/p>\n

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Photo from: www.diwaliinlondon.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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Other alternatives:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/TimeOutLondon\/status\/1326875201838178311?s=20<\/p>\n

Most notably, the floating flower divas at Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Park. A free display until November 15th.<\/p>\n

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Photo by: Vanya Petyova<\/p><\/div>\n

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Traditionally to start the day, families would visit a temple to give offerings and attend morning prayers. London is home to the largest Hindu temple in Europe.<\/p>\n

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, more commonly known as Neasden temple, is breathtaking in its architectural design.\u00a0 Unfortunately, it won’t be lighting up the night sky on Saturday as it remains closed.<\/p>\n

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Photo by: Anuj Datta<\/p><\/div>\n

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Public opinion is divided on excitement levels this year:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/VoiceOfLondonUK\/status\/1326658771293270019?s=20<\/p>\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/Karishma_Mgn\/status\/1326540345610444800?s=20<\/p>\n

Rajan, 25, from London is one of the people I spoke to about his Diwali plans. “Diwali represents good over evil and what more of a representation is there than what we are going through right now.”<\/p>\n

Hear what others had to say:<\/p>\n