Northampton’s Diwali Festival: A Spectacular Display of Lights
In the heart of Northampton, a grand spectacle is about to unfold. The annual Diwali Festival of Light is returning to the newly refurbished Market Square, promising a day filled with colour, culture, and community spirit.
This year’s festival, set to take place this Saturday, is expected to draw thousands of locals and visitors alike. The event, now in its 24th year, has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural events in the area.
The day will kick off at 10:00 BST, transforming the Market Square into a bustling hub of activity. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls offering henna painting and saree dressing, alongside live stage entertainment and a mouth-watering selection of food and drink.
As the sun sets, the festival’s highlight, a magical light parade, will commence. School children, who have been crafting lanterns in workshops supported by Northampton College, will proudly display their creations. The parade will wind its way through the town centre, from Dychurch Lane to the Market Square, illuminating the streets with a dazzling display of lights.
This year, the beloved giant puppets depicting the story of Prince Ram and his wife, Sita, will return, alongside Harminder, the puppet elephant. Operated by Route Canal Arts and Rost Productions, these puppets have become a cherished part of the festival’s tradition.
Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, chair of the Northampton Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event. “It’s wonderful to see so many partners coming together to make it such a great experience for everyone,” she said.
Indeed, the Diwali Festival is more than just a cultural event; it’s a testament to the vibrant and diverse community that makes Northampton such a unique place to live. As Anna King from West Northamptonshire Council aptly put it, “Diwali in Northampton is a true reflection of the wonderful communities we serve.”