YOUR YOURNo. 5 WMCA, October1 2017 WMCA DIWALI COMES TO THE SQUARE Several thousand people packed event was for the whole community into Victoria Square in central to enjoy, whatever their faith or Birmingham earlier this month for background. the first ever WMCA-sponsored Diwali event. ‘Victoria Square was buzzing and it was a fantastic family-friendly Diwali on the Square saw performers, occasion, offering the tastes and businesses, community leaders and sounds of India to everyone who artists come together to celebrate the came along.’ annual Festival of Light. Diwali is a five day festival celebrated The High Commissioner of India by faiths throughout the Indian to the UK, His Excellency Mr community to mark different historical Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, spoke events and stories but with all of them to the crowd at 12 noon to formally symbolising the victory of light over open the event. darkness and good over evil. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street It is traditionally celebrated by went on to say how important it was lighting lamps and candles in doors to celebrate the diverse culture and and windows of the home, around traditions of the population of the temples and other buildings, along West Midlands. He said: ‘Diwali is a with fireworks. time of great celebration and this Tell us what you think of this newsletter, email Follow us on Visit wmca.org.uk
[email protected] YOUR WMCA 2 MAYORAL UPDATE THE MAYOR AND FAITH CONFERENCE ‘The region’s faith communities are part of the West Midlands we call home, but are also one of the many ways that this area is connected to the world.