Diwali 2021: Asian dance show to take place at MAC

It’s not long to go now until Diwali 2021.

The festival of lights is one of the major events celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, notably Newar Buddhists, across the world.

The festival had to be scaled back last year due to the pandemic, but was still celebrated by families across the city in their homes, and the University of Birmingham also hosted a star-studded virtual concert, and the Library of Birmingham was also lit up to mark the occasion.

With no lockdown restrictions to contend with this year, families across the city will be able to celebrate together once again.

The Festival of Light, Midlands Arts Centre

This year there will be celebrations at the MAC for Deepavali, the festival of light; a captivating evening of South Asian Dance showcasing Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam to Bhangara and Dandiya Raas, in celebration of Deepavali also more commonly known as Diwali.

This special family-friendly performance will take place on 6 November - the final day of the five day festival - and will feature some of the best British South Asian Dance artists, companies, and community groups from the West Midlands and across the UK.

Diwali 2021

Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepawali, is celebrated over five days. It is referred to the festival of lights because of the incredible light shows that are often on display during the celebration.

The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is mentioned in early Sanskrit texts.

One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The festival’s date changes each year because the Hindu calendar is based on the lunar and solar cycles, but it always falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik.

This year, the festival begins on Thursday, November 4.

In the lead-up to Diwali, celebrants will prepare by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps).

During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared.

Community parades, fire works and light displays take place in cities and towns, with thousands previously coming together in Victoria Square and Soho road in Birmingham.

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