Diwali on the square 2008

Trafalgar Square hosts celebrations to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday 19 October 2008, organised by the Greater London Authority and Diwali in London Committee.

Diwali on the Square is a wonderful day for all the family, and will see the square transformed by magical light displays and music and dance performances.

Programme

3pm - 4pm: Come and learn the garba, a traditional circular dance.

4.30pm - 5pm: Opening ceremony with lighting lamps and Diwali songs.

5pm - 7pm: Performances including a celebration of dance in many styles: Kathak from North India Oddissi dancers from Orissa Classical Bharata Natyam, contemporary dance, and a touch of Bhangra. Performed by Saraswati Academy of Indian Dance, Akademi, Encee Academy of Performing Arts, Apsara Dancers Mudralaya and Kala - The Arts. Musical medleys from Chinmaya Mission and a special live performance of Jay Kumar's Diwali anthem song.

7pm - 7.30pm: Special presentation by Star

7.30pm - 8pm: Aarti - traditional prayers and singing with lamps - and finale.

Stage hosted by Club Asia Radio

How to get there:

By tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines)

The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:

Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)

By bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square. Routes 22 and 94 will drop you at nearby Piccadilly Circus.

By rail: Charing Cross Station is a 2 minute walk away