Diwali07 Celebrations in Barnet, London

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Saturday 10th November 2007 marked the start of the New Hindu year. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the Hindu community of Shree Swaminarayan Temple Golders Green, Barnet held a special Diwali event for their neighbours and friends. Invited dignitaries included, Andrew Dismore (MP for Hendon), Rudy Vis (MP for Golders Green), Mike Freer (Leader of Barnet Council) and Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron.

Over 500 visitors were treated to stunning performances of dance and music, all performed by students of the various Academies hosted by the Temple. The centre-piece of the evening was a magnificent display of hundreds of Indian delicacies placed before the shrine – a tradition common to Diwali celebrations. It was an evening of combining Indian and Western cultures; this was perfectly exemplified with a performance that fused the music of Scottish bagpipes with Indian Dhols, a performance that attracted rapturous applause from the audience and calls for an encore.

Exhibitions in the temple allowed visitors to experience the delights of Indian culture; they were able to taste authentic Indian cuisine, have traditional Henna designs painted on them, try their hand at playing musical instruments, and have portraits taken wearing colourful and brocaded Indian clothing.

The highlight of the evening came at its conclusion as Mr Dismore, dressed in full Scottish tartan, led Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band during its closing performance.

Comments from Guests

"Great event as always"
Andrew Dismore MP

"Excellent celebrations. Very good. Bringing India in to the temple was amazing!"
Councillor Mike Freer

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