Events
What Engage events are coming up ?
7-10 November : Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights follows
a fortnight later after Navratri ends and lasts for three to five days
depending
in which part
of India you look.
On the 13th day of the dark cycle of the moon is Dhan
Teras- this is the day for ceremonies regarding the wealth and well
being, Dhan teras
is followed the next day by Kali Chaudas when every house holder ceremonially
rids itself of evil, the following day is Diwali- last
day of the dark phase of moon- therefore dark night- but on the night
is illuminated
with terracotta lamps. Businesses and trades begin their new account
books with blessigs from Goddess Laxmi. The firework displays are at
their zenith on this day and traditional food associated with the festivities
are found in abundance.
Diwali marks the return of Rama to Ayodhhaya from Lanka, after his triumph
over Ravana and for Hindus it is the most important of all the festivities.
Sikhs and Jains also hold significance for Diwali. It was on this day
that Guru Hargovindji reached Amritsar after his release from imprisonment
by the Moghuls. On this day too Mahaveer attained Nirvaana.
The day after Diwali is the new moon day and for some people of India,
especially Gujarat and Rajasthan it also marks the New Year (afer King
Vikram of Ujjain) and this year is going to be year 2064. People on this
day forget enmity and grudges and extend their good wishes to everyone.
16-17 November : Festival Of Light
For two very special nights only this autumn, Savages Wood (part of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve) in Bradley Stoke will be become a magical wonderland of light featuring an illuminated trail lighting up trees to create a night-time kaleidoscope of colour.
Thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots grant programme South Gloucestershire Council, together with the Bradley Stoke Youth Club are hosting a family Festival of Light event in Savages Wood on 16th / 17th November 2007.
Celebrate the ‘Festival of light’ with local community groups and families and tread through the fallen golden leaves on the one mile trail around the woodland. Families and friends are invited to enjoy the illuminated tree trail walk around the woodland which will be lit on both nights between 5pm – 9pm.
The event coincides with the opportunity to celebrate Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Light, and the South Gloucestershire Engage Festival at Bradley Stoke Community School on 17th November. It will also help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Bradley Stoke!/p
Leading up to the Festival of Light, both the Avon Wildlife Trust and South Gloucestershire Asian Project are working with young people from Bradley Stoke Youth Club, learning about the festival of Diwali. This work will culminate in performances by local young people of traditional dohl drumming and dhandia ras dance at the Festival of Light, together with woodland sculpture, live music, hot food and drink!
The event is free and open to all. No booking is required. Sorry no dogs at this event, please bring a torch and wear warm clothing and stout shoes.
The illuminated woodland walk will be a carbon neutral event with a new community orchard being planted in Bradley Stoke to help off set the carbon emissions from the event. We are also asking local people to walk, cycle or catch a bus to the event.
If you want to register your event with Engage 2007, click here
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