The annual festival of lights is set for the 12th of this month, however, the Sahara Foundation hosted their very own Diwali event for the South Asian community.
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00:00 A day filled with bright colours, traditions and laughter.
00:05 Medway's South Asian community got together and started their Diwali celebrations early.
00:09 The Sahara Foundation, which focuses on supporting elderly South Asian people, hosted a special
00:15 event for the Festival of Lights, which is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs around the
00:20 world.
00:21 So we always have a monthly social event. This is part of that. It's called Galbad.
00:25 This is our chance to make it something special, make it super colourful, related to Diwali
00:30 with the candle making, have the dance. So yeah, that's how, just using that opportunity
00:36 to make it more bright and special.
00:38 I think perhaps more can be done to promote cohesion amongst communities. So an event
00:42 like this for example, we've got lots of South Asian people here and that's great, but I
00:47 think it would be even better if we had different communities coming and kind of learning about
00:52 each other.
00:53 This year, Diwali is set to be on the 12th of November and for many of those celebrating,
00:58 it marks a new beginning and the triumph of light over darkness.
01:02 But for those who came to the event, they had a head start. Some of the activities people
01:06 took part in include glass candle painting and Bollywood dancing.
01:10 We were so excited and we got up early and we were thinking we are meeting our friends
01:17 and then all day we will have fun and meeting the new people and talk about our hobbies
01:25 and things like that. And it's very good for the elderly and retired person because otherwise
01:33 we feel alone in the houses.
01:36 But while this was an event celebrating Diwali, it was about combating loneliness within the
01:40 community too. Many of those who came said the support group has greatly benefited their
01:45 social life.
01:46 It's nice that we mix everybody together. I come to every occasion of Saharas. Every
01:55 occasion with Parmajit organised, we've always been here and I appreciate what she's doing.
02:01 The number one thing is that because the winter is drawing in, it makes people get out of
02:06 the house. Like if this wasn't organised, people will be inside with heavy rain in there.
02:13 But this is what made people come out.
02:15 So today's dress code was traditional clothing. So I've come in my own traditional clothes
02:19 and I've decided to take part in all the fun and I'm currently painting my own glass candle
02:24 holder.
02:25 But it's safe to say my attempt at painting the glass candle holder was nowhere near as
02:29 good as some of the others.
02:30 Mahima Abedin for KMTV in Gillingham.