In celebration of the festival of lights which marks the Hindu New Year, Greater Manchester hosts a number of joyous, spellbinding events and workshops which foster cultural connections and deepen community spirit across the region.
From meditative reflections to high-tempo Bollywood dance lessons, here are some of the best Diwali activities around Manchester this year.
Featuring a ‘magical Nighttime Lantern Procession’, Indian street food, Worldbeaters Illuminated drummers Spark and more, Bolton’s Victoria Square hosts a full day of incredible free family activities capped off with a wondrous light show finale.
The event is available to watch online via Digital Diwali.
Promising ‘belly laughs big enough to burn off an entire Biryani’, The Indians Are Coming features a stellar comic line-up uniting to deliver an evening of side-splitting comedy from both newcomers and established comedians, including Preet Singh, Raj Poojara, Anuvab Pal and Sukh Ojla.
Led by professional Bollywood dancer, teacher and choreographer Sharmista B, this free and wonderfully energetic workshop offers an introduction to various styles of Bollywood dancing for guests of all abilities. From classical to Bhangra, the two-hour session celebrates the ‘perfect blend of Indian culture and art’ before culminating in a short routine performed by the whole group.
Featuring a thorough, calming itinerary of various meditations, mantras, yoga methods and more alongside a range of plant-based snacks and live percussion performances, Magic and Manifesting celebrates Samhain – the most important event on the Celtic calendar – as a time of reflection, rejuvenation and self-sustenance as the world enters its darkest phase of the year. Coinciding with Diwali, the festival of lights, the event explores death and rebirth through the cycle of darkness and illumination.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Fri 14 Oct 2022
Operated by arts group Walk the Plank, a free series of lantern-making workshops take place between Bolton and Bury, with lessons ‘creating a cultural connection across Greater Manchester and beyond’ at Bolton Hindu Forum on Sat 15 and Sun 16 Oct. On Sat 29 Oct, The Met in Bury hosts more free workshops at 10am and 1pm.