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It’s been a while since the last update, for which I’m sincerely sorry, The reason being I have been a little pre-occupied from being a mere shopkeeper to organising “Diwali” the Festival of Lights and a number of events encouraging our local community to get active in the lead up to the event. You can read more about how the project was inspired in my blog Festival of Lights Aylesbury – what, why and how?
I have shared some images of the day, and I will allow myself to say “for my first public outdoor event, with no previous experience, it was pretty good” – not that I would do this again in a hurry!
High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire – Professor Ruth S Farwell CBE DL – Congratulated the organisers: Poonam Gupta – Owner of Holy Cow Home & Sue Shave – Director of Bucks County Museum. Supporters Mrs Penni Thorne -William Harding Charity; Aylesbury Town Mayor Cllr Mark Willis – Aylesbury Town Council and Aylesbury Town Partnership .
She also conveyed thanks to Local radio Mix96 , the local businesses, the many volunteers, and the members of the public that play the National Lottery were also thanked by Ruth before declaring the Festival of Lights open
Local Classical Dance School Nrithya Sangeetha Academy– were first to perform Ganesh Vandana , where Lord Ganesha (Elephant headed God – the remover of obstacles) is invited to participate and allow the ceremony to proceed smoothly.
Traditional Folk Dance called Gharba and Dandiya were perfomed. This dance originates from the state of Gujarat also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
Classical Dance called Kuchipudi – by students Abhinaya Fine Arts
Look out on our You Tube channel for local talent who performed a Classical Kathak Dance, Purva Shegunshi, no pictures of this young lady were captured on the day, she is a what they call in the industry a quadruple threat, she sings, she dances, she is a great actress and an academic – Bravo!!!
The Giant Chalk Rangoli drawn in a matter of minuets by our very creative committee member could also be found managing the Lantern making stall which was extremely popular.
Story time, narrated by my little nephews was once again popular held in Silversmith exhibition room of the museum. A very apt exhibition for Diwali, especially the relevance of metal purchase on Day one of the five day celebration.
The story of Diwali told in Shadow Form by Peploe Williams Academy students was a huge hit. So glad we scheduled in an extra performance at the last hour
Bollywood and Folk Dance workshops, Dhol and Tabla activities, TukTuk rides and Photobooth,
Dhols from the Souther State of Maharastra mesmarised leaving the audience asking for more and ran interactive workshops in the museum
Dhol’s from the rich state of Punjab serenaded the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and lead the Light parade at dusk
In between all those energetic dance performances the audience were given a breather and they enjoyed local talented vocal artists, students of Peploe Williams Academy, Bijal Tankodra and to our delight once again RajD
In between the very packed programme of events across two venues, some even enjoyed a very peaceful Heartful Meditation sessions and Yoga Session lead by Aylesbury Yoga Centre in the Georgian Room of the museum overlooking beautiful gardens.
Up Close with Paralympic Torch and torch bearer Lorraine Arnott and Double Michelin Star Chef Atul Kochhar who was also doing book signings, made for a great Diwali or Christmas present.
Henna and Facepainting, Craft Stalls, Preloved Bollywood attires including Costume Jewellery for the shopper in you
There was so much to see and do, not to mention eat as well. The smell of live cooking of Dosa’s, Veg and Non Veg Grill, Samosa, Sweet Pancakes, Chai Tea and coffee, filled a gap too.
The day ended with a Light Themed parade at dusk and a Fire Dance
Finally! Greetings from me and the man who puts up with me and the many take-aways, and a very cluttered home, he takes care of his family, his patients and allows me to live my dream – Photo Booth / Tuk Tuk
