Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: Diwali

  • Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend Community Celebrates Diwali with Joy and Togetherness

    Gravesend came alive with colour, music, and celebration on Friday 14th November as the community gathered to mark Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event was organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) in partnership with Cohesion Plus, and placed a special emphasis on engaging residents aged 65 and over.

    The celebration featured an exciting line-up of performances, including live music from Replay Music, energetic routines by the 4×4 Bhangra Group, and powerful drumming from the Kings of Dhol. The event aimed to bring people together to share in the spirit of Diwali while tackling issues of isolation among older members of the community.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council, said:

    “Diwali is a time to celebrate light, hope, and new beginnings, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together in that spirit. Events like this are so important, particularly for our older residents, many of whom have faced isolation in recent years. Providing opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and feel valued is at the heart of what we do, and this event showed the real power of community cohesion in action.”

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council continues to work across North Kent to promote equality, foster positive community relations, and celebrate diversity and cohesion through inclusive events and activities.

  • Diwali Celebrations bring communities together

    Diwali Celebrations bring communities together

    The Mayor of Gravesham Councillor David Hurley and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhagwaran Vasudaven were the chief guests at the Diwali celebrations which took place on Saturday 10th November at the Civic Centre in Gravesend. Lanterns and candles were lit to symbolise the essence of Diwali which celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

    The event was organised in partnership by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Hindu Cultural Society and Cohesion Plus and started with a moment of silence to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the ending of the First World War. The 300 guests then enjoyed an array of performances by local young people including the Hindu Cultural Society, Saheli Dancers, Gravesend and Gillingham Shakha Group and finale by Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club.

    A special award was presented to Mrs Daya Sharma for her outstanding standing service and commitment to the local community over the last 30 years including being one of the leading lights in the establishing of the Hindu Mandir (Temple) on Manor Road.

    Once the celebrations finished inside, a community parade led by the Hindu Cultural Society featuring the Mayor, Deputy Lord Lieutenant and guests went from the Community Square to the Hindu Mandir.

    Gurvinder Sandher, the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council added “It was great to see the local community coming together from across different faiths and backgrounds to celebrate the festival of Diwali. It was especially poignant as the event took place on the same weekend as the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War One and what that symbolised with light overcoming darkness.”

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