Festival of light to be celebrated with variety showcase

Members of The Bollywood Sanddancers will be performing at the Customs House during Diwali celebrations,

Diwali - the festival of light - will be marked with a showcase at the Customs House on Saturday October 27.

The event will features acts from a variety of cultures from around the region.

James Bassett will be performing on the night

The show is now in its 26th year.

Taking to the stage will be Ukulele players James Bassett, Sarah Mcvey School of Dance, traditional Indian dance, Stoke Collins Irish Dancing, a Samba group, as well as a number of singers.

The two-hour event has been organised by cultural group Hindu Nari Sangh.

Closing the event will be the group’s Bollywood Sanddancers.

Event organiser Dr Shobha Srivastava said: “Diwali is one of the most important dates on the Hindu calendar.

“The evening celebrates the culture of India, the Hindu faith and community cohesion which is what Hinduism is all about.

“The atmosphere on the night is fantastic. Everyone who takes part really enjoy themselves and we always have really good response after the show.”

Hindus celebrate Diwali in honour of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. To honour the return of the trio from Lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers use lights to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 6.45pm, are available now priced £8, under threes are free. The price includes a post-performance Indian inspired meal.

For tickets, contact the Customs House, on 454 1234 or Dr Srivastava on 455 8146.