Spectacular Diwali celebrations in Reading

19th October 2022

A spectacular performance and lantern parade will help celebrate Diwali in Reading town centre on Saturday 29 October.

Organised by Kala The Arts, the leading South Asian dance organisation in the region, with support from Reading Business Improvement District (BID) and Reading Borough Council, DIYA Light It Up will be celebrating Diwali with dance, light and music in a free family-friendly event.

Reading’s Diwali celebrations will kick off with a musical performance in Market Place from 4pm on Saturday 29 October, followed by a lantern parade along Broad Street at 5:30pm. Diwali is the Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world, to mark new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Reading’s Diwali event is open to everyone to enjoy with professional performance including drumming, dancing and music as well as lanterns and light installations.

Sushmita Pati, Artistic Director of Kala The Arts, said: “Our celebration is open to everyone with schools, communities and professional artists come together for Diwali, which will show the importance of light overcoming darkness. This year’s theme is Care - caring for each other, caring for nature and the environment around us and caring for ourselves.”

The Parade will include three giant puppets from Global Grooves, two large installations from Samesky and lantern-holding children performing to Dhol drummers. There will also be a professional performance by Kala’s professional dancers with children from Geoffrey Field Primary School.

Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, said: “Reading BID is pleased to be supporting this event on behalf of local businesses to bring visitors into the area.  Working in partnership with Kala the Arts and the Council, this event is part of creating a vibrant town centre.  By showcasing these performances in the centre of Reading and celebrating our diverse communities we look to engage more people in what Reading has to offer.”

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Diwali event is another brilliant addition to the exciting schedule of diverse and inclusive events taking place in Reading. Working with our partners at Reading BID and with Kala the Arts, I’m glad the Council has been able to support this family-friendly performance and parade, which will be a great opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate.”

Kala The Arts is a leading dance organisation that specialises in the Odissi South Asian dance form. Based in Hampshire and operating since 1999, the organisation was founded by Sushmita Pati, an international Odissi artist, choreographer and Artistic Director of Kala The Arts. For nearly 25 years they have been working with local, national and international artists to create innovative artistically high-quality South Asian dance and music performances and community events.

Anyone wishing to take part in the parade, should contact Kala The Arts in advance Kala at Kalathearts@gmail.com.

DIYA Light It Up is free to attend. Just turn up. It is funded by Arts Council England and Reading BID with support from Reading Borough Council, Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life.

More information at kalathearts.co.uk  

ENDS

Press information - Kala The Arts www.kalathearts.co.uk Tel 07725838419.

Image for media attached.