Don’t miss: Dashehra Diwali Mela Celebrations at Manchester’s Albert Square

Manchester celebrates Diwali on Sat Oct 12 when Albert Square will be transformed into a feast of music, colour, and light showcasing the best of India’s rich and diverse culture. Top stars making an appearance at the event include; Raj Ghai, Bollywood Brass Band, Nachda Sansaaor and the Dancing Maharajas. The festival culminates in a Grand Finale starting at around 7pm and featuring a lantern procession around Albert Square followed by spectacular firework display. Mythical Hindu characters will materialise in the form of vibrant life-sized puppets as the three giant stages are brought to life by dancers performing to Bollywood and Bhangra beats. There will be a delicious range of tasty Indian street food to tantalise your taste buds along with numerous colourful stalls giving you the opportunity to purchase Indian clothes, jewellery, incense and handicrafts. Kids can take part in a variety of exciting arts and crafts workshops taking place in Central Library whilst also discovering more about Indian culture and traditions. Youngsters who participate in the lantern making workshop can showcase their glowing masterpieces in the vibrant evening procession around Albert Square. Below, you’ll find a few highlights from 2019’s Dashera Diwali Mela in Manchester…

The Main Stage
Enjoy toe tapping performances with music ranging from Bollywood and Bhangra and dance forms including both classic to contemporary.

The Marquee Stage
Promises pulsating action with live music, dance, percussion and more.

Manchester Central Library
Kids of all ages are welcome to try their hand at the ancient Indian art of Henna decorating, balloon modelling and face painting. Lantern Making Workshops will take place from 1pm to 5.30pm under the guidance of professional artists.

Grand Finale & Firework Display
After sunset the celebrations culminate in a colourful and vibrant lantern procession followed by a ‘Bollywood Inferno’ grand finale featuring a spectacular light and firework show.

About Dashehra Diwali Mela
2019 marks the 14th edition of Manchester’s Dashehra Diwali Mela which is recognized as the North of England’s largest Diwali event. The festivities fuse two important Hindu festivals into one fantastic day out celebrating both the Diwali ‘Festival of Light’ and Dashehra commemorating the day on which Lord Ram reputedly killed the 10-headed demon king Ravan, Both are celebrations of good defeating evil and light conquering darkness, although the Diwali light festival is more well known in the western world. This free event is organised by the Indian Association Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council and the Arts Council England. Happy Diwali!

P.S Why not end the day on a spicy note with a fantastic Indian meal? For Manchester’s top Indian restaurants visit, head here.