Our Community Development Manager, Cathy Mc Mahon, was honoured to be invited to attend the annual Diwali Festival Celebrations with Swagath Indian Family Association, at an event which was kindly funded by our partners at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
This was an important event which brought together many from the local Indian community, along with their friends and neighbours, to foster a real sense of community and togetherness as we strengthened bonds through the shared experiences that celebrate the victory of light over darkness, injecting positivity into life.
Guests were treated to a fabulous days’ entertainment, with many different traditional Indian dances featured, performances from the Traditional Arts Partnership, and an interactive music session with the African Drums. Everyone was encouraged to get involved and actively participate in both the dancing and percussion sessions.
Following the entertainment, everyone was treated to an array of wonderful food as this is a central tenant to the celebration of Diwali and is a way of sharing joy, blessings and culture.
As Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights, it was fitting that the venue, at Ballyholland Community Centre, had been adorned with many lights and candles, creating a real festive atmosphere. The celebrations concluded with an outdoor lights display with many sparklers utilised to light up the darkness.
