The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the annual Diwali on the Square celebration will take place at Trafalgar Square on October 29. The free public event from 1-7pm will feature dances, music, activities, and food that capture the festival's spirit. Attendees can enjoy performances by London's Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, yoga workshops, puppet shows, and more. Mayor Khan hailed the event as embodying Diwali's symbolic victory of light over darkness. The family-friendly festivities aim to showcase London's diversity. Organizers anticipate the landmark Diwali celebrations will draw Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds. [Image Courtesy: Greater London Authority]

On October 28, 2023, Times Square in New York City will come alive with the annual Diwali festival, sponsored by Gopi Dairy and presented by KIA. Since 2013, this event has been a cherished tradition, showcasing the diverse elements of Indian culture. The festivities will feature performances from various communities, including South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Dominican Folk Dance, and Afro-Latino groups, reflecting the vibrant cultural mosaic of New York City. Special dance performances by schoolchildren will emphasize the importance of cultural education, promoting peace and harmony. Gopi Dairy's CEO, Rostom Baghdassarian, expressed pride in supporting this festival of light and joy. [ Representative Image]

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, embraced the spirit of Durga Puja by pandal hopping in Delhi's Chittaranjan Park. During his visit, Garcetti participated in rituals, savored Bengali delicacies, and performed the traditional Dhunuchi Naach, a highlight of the Puja celebrations. He shared his delightful experience on social media, expressing admiration for India's cultural diversity. Garcetti's active participation in the festivities, including dancing and interacting with attendees, earned him praise and warm reception from social media users, highlighting the significance of cultural exchange and acceptance.

A historic MoU signed in London will see Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legendary ‘Wagh Nakh’ tiger claw weapon repatriated to India from the UK for 3 years. Vrushal Khandke, President of Maharashtra Mandal, expressed elation at the legendary weapon used by the revered king to kill Afzal Khan returning to Maharashtra, calling it a "proud day for Indians." The event was celebrated with traditional cultural performances. Maharashtra Minister Mungantiwar stated the Wagh Nakh would be publicly displayed to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj’s 350th coronation anniversary, underscoring its significance as a 'symbol of faith.' The Maharashtra Mandal in London appreciated the efforts to bring back the relic to Shivaji’s homeland.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised German singer Cassandra Mae Spittmann for her heartfelt rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, 'Vaishnava Jana To,' on Gandhi Jayanti. Modi shared the video on social media, emphasizing how Gandhi's teachings resonate globally. Spittmann, a visually impaired artist from Germany, demonstrated her love for Indian music by mastering songs in various Indian languages, becoming an inspiration for music enthusiasts worldwide. Modi highlighted her passion and dedication during his Mann ki Baat radio show, celebrating her talent and connection to Indian culture.

The 'Hindi Yuva Sangam' event was organized by Sangam in London on September 15 to celebrate Hindi Diwas. Indian and British dignitaries including Coordination Minister Mr. Deepak Chaudhary, Honourable British MP Mr. Virendra Sharma, and the Indian High Commission participated as youths aged 16-22 showcased their Hindi skills through self-written poems and articles. The highlight was performances by 12 talented young Hindi poets divided into teams named after Indian rivers. 16-year-old Krishnam Aachari won the first prize while Sneha Chaubey and Rahul Sethiya claimed second and third prize respectively. All participants were lauded for their excellent presentations that enthralled the audience. The presence of famous Ram Katha reciter Shri Rajan Ji Maharaj added gravitas. The successful event, supported by various UK organizations, aimed to promote Hindi among the youth and received praise for highlighting their proficiency in the language.

A gala fashion show staged Indian designer Abhishek Roy's ethnic collection on day one of the UKBC 2023 event celebrating Bengali culture. Members of the community and models took to the runway in Roy's trademark fusion of traditional and western wear. Organized by the non-profit UKBC uniting over 60 communities, the 2-day event features music, drama, food and more. Now in its 15th edition, the UKBC aims to foster Bengal's arts, bring together the diaspora and emerge as the biggest annual British Bengali gathering. Roy's fashion showcase marked a vibrant start highlighting local talent and traditional weaves.

Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh inaugurated the annual United Kingdom Bengali Convention (UKBC) in London. The 2-day event on September 9-10 brings together renowned Bengali artists including Rupankar Bagchi and Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya as special guests. Organized by the UKBC, a non-profit charity, the convention unites over 60 UK-based community organizations to celebrate Bengali culture through music, drama, food and more. Now in its 15th edition, the UKBC aims to celebrate the diaspora and foster Bengal's arts and heritage. Supported by dozens of groups, it has emerged as the largest annual gathering of Bengalis in the UK. The inauguration kicked off the festivities that will continue over the weekend.

In a shocking event, a peaceful yoga class was mistaken for a "ritual mass murder" scene. ‘Concerned members’ of the public witnessed individuals lying on the floor and promptly alerted the U.K. police, triggering a dramatic response with sirens blaring. Upon arrival, the police found the yoga practitioners engaged in quiet meditation. The incident occurred at the Seaside Cafe inside the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards. The cafe clarified on social media that it hosts regular yoga classes and assured the public that it is not affiliated with any unusual cults or clubs. Lincolnshire police acknowledged that the emergency call was made with good intentions. [Photo: Seascape Cafe facebook page]

The Nehru Centre in London is hosting an exhibition: 'India, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow' till September 1, 2023, commemorating the nation's 75th year of independence. The event showcases artworks reflecting India's growth and aspirations. The display features works by four Indian artists: Narendra Pal Singh's vibrant village scenes, Prof. Harsh Vardhan Sharma's emotive Indian portraits, Reena Singh's abstract explorations of Hindu Philosophy, and Dr. Sangeeta Goel's expressionistic pieces promoting inclusivity. The exhibition captures India's journey through time, reflecting on its essence and outlook. The event aligns with Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, spotlighting the nation's evolution.