Diwali parade in Basingstoke
First time ever a parade of light will take place
A spectacular parade will light up Basingstoke town centre on Friday (5/11) as part of the borough’s Diwali celebrations.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been working closely with local dance group Kala The Arts to present a fantastic festival of light parade featuring dancers, musicians, young people and community groups.
Deepali Light It Up parade start at Cross Street across from Willows Coffee House at 6pm before moving throughout the Top of the Town and finishing at the amphitheatre at Festival Place.
Lit up with lanterns, LED umbrellas and lights, the parade will be led by dhol and brass players, dancers, musicians and the figures behind the story of Diwali - Rama and Sita, Hanuman and his army, Ganesh and Lakshmi.
Diwali is the five-day festival of lights and is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. It is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Simon Bound said:
“Celebrating our borough’s rich diversity is incredibly important and I am delighted that we have been able to work with Kala The Arts to showcase Diwali celebrations in the heart of the town for the first time this year.
“I hope residents of all ages across the borough will come and enjoy the breathtaking festival of light parade, which symbolises hope for everyone as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and learn why Diwali is so important.”
For more information, visit www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk