Festival of light comes to St. Helier

Friday 29 October 2021

Jersey’s Indian community will be bringing the Festival of Light to St Helier Parish Hall this weekend, the first in what's hoped to be a series of events aiming to give back to the community.

Taking place on Saturday evening, the event will see the community perform traditional dance, songs and above all celebrate Diwali.”

It’s organised by Hindu Mandir Limited, a company established by the Indian community in Jersey working towards charitable activity on the island.

Discussing the aims of the company, board member Sunil Ravtuwar explained it came from the question: “How can we help as a community, what can we do, what can we bring?”

He said that, from this, they decided they could help the community by bringing yoga and Ayurveda wellness courses to help islanders look after their wellbeing and mental health, as well as bring more events to share their culture with the island.

"The Hindu community has grown to 1,200 in Jersey, with professionals spanning across medicine, accountancy, IT, law and businesses. Our aim is to offer an inclusive platform for celebrating Hindu festivals, meditation and self-awareness classes and encourage tourism to the island," he told Express.

This weekend’s Diwali event will start at 18:00 on Saturday, beginning with prayers, followed by welcoming Guests of Honour Constable Simon Crowcroft and the Assistant Minister with responsibility for culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel. 

This will then be followed by a number of celebratory activities, including a DJ, dancing, games for the children, a raffle, a prepared dinner for the guests, as well as a special presentation about the company’s aims to help Jersey’s community. 

It will also act as a thank you to frontline and public sector workers for their work during the pandemic. 

Whilst tomorrow's event will cater for 150 people, Mr Ravtuwar said he is hoping to do next year’s celebration “next year in a big way” and bring in even more.

He said that it was the start of a “step-by-step” process to continue bringing these events and courses to the island, with plans to celebrate the Holi Festival of Colours next. 

“It’s everyone, it’s not only for Indian community, this is a place for everyone."