The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted that Diwali in London (DiL) Committee are putting on a virtual event to celebrate the festival of lights." Diwali is a special time of year for many Londoners of different backgrounds and an opportunity to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. So while it is disappointing that we can’t unite in Trafalgar Square as we normally would, it’s great that we can join together in an online celebration.“As the winter nights draw in and we continue to face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Diwali’s unifying message of friendship and hope is more important than ever.”

Care, Compassion, Gratitude

Sister Jayanti European Director, Brahma Kumaris, Chair of Diwali in London Committee 2020

This Diwali is going to be very different from all the others we have ever experienced. Yet I’m sure the spirit of Diwali will definitely be well and strong!

Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, when there seem to be many sad stories of bereavement, sickness and financial hardship all caused by a virus, we need to ensure that our inner light stays ignited. Instead of thinking of ‘Corona’, perhaps we can think about ‘Karuna’. It’s a time to share compassion, love and care with everyone around us.

Many of the problems people are experiencing seem to be connected with the state of consciousness and the mind, quite apart from physical factors. Understanding the self, understanding how the mind works and how it can be trained to a state of higher consciousness is a very important subject that can help individuals at the moment of crisis. Raja Yoga meditation first taught in India 5,000 years ago, is a method that brings peace and stability to one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Dadi Janki, former Spiritual Head of the The Brahma Kumaris, passed away on 27th March 2020 at the age of 104. Her life has been a century of selfless service. Speaking about difficulties in relationships, Dadi once said: The root of all needs and expectations is an unfulfilled spiritual desire. Satisfy your spiritual desires through the practice of meditation and you will be able to interact successfully with anyone. No longer needy, you will enter into relationships simply to share and enjoy. There will be no strings attached in the way you give of yourself your love will be unconditional.’

The Honourable Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, lights a candle with the late Dadi Janki, at the Brahma Kumaris HQ in 2019 - He said “Dadiji has given us an inspirational mantra: ‘Truth, Simplicity and Cleanliness.’ When we adopt this mantra in our lives, we will feel benefit for the world and humanity. And the peace for which we are wandering and searching will automatically be established"

Wishing each and every one a Happy Diwali and enjoy watching and remembering the 18 years of Diwali on Trafalgar Square,(from 2002-2019), that brought so much love, hope and happiness into our hearts as well as reflecting on how we can bring Care, Compassion and Gratitude into our lives more fully through these times.

OM SHANTI

Jaymini Patel, Brahma Kumaris

- Chairperson, Diwali in London (DiL) Committee 2020

Urvashi Patel, Brahma Kumaris

- Co-Chairperson, Diwali in London (DiL) Committee 2020

Namaste

Diwali is renowned as the Festival of Lights and this year we will celebrate by igniting the light of hope with a show of compassion to all of humanity. As a global community we have faced many adversities and changes this year: Through the pandemic we keep going and have restored a new way of seeing by encouraging and supporting each other and looking for goodness in each situation. We are appreciating the generosity and efforts of governments, and here in the UK the NHS and key workers who have worked hard to keep our inner lights lit !

We all continue to share gratitude for our homes. Now more than ever they have become places where we experience safety and can share love, respect and genuine care for each other. This year the Diwali in London Committee (DiL) is creating a special FREE online event to acknowledge, enjoy and remember the incredible Diwali on Trafalgar Square festivals that were held every year from 2002-2019. These were hosted by the Mayor of London in partnership with Diwali In London Committee (DiL).

Please join us in celebrating and reflecting on such good times ONLINE with this FREE event 'Remembering Diwali on Trafalgar Square' on Sunday November 1st, 2020, 3pm-7pm.  Experience too this year's theme Compassion, Care and Gratitude and how even though apart we are still united in keeping the flame of Diwali well-lit in our hearts and minds.