LEICESTER 2019

#diwalileicester Welcome Welcome Welcome to – and to our famous Diwali celebrations!

Diwali celebrations in Leicester are some of the best in the UK and one of the biggest outside of India. Every year, the festival of lights brings the city’s communities together and attracts thousands of visitors to the celebrations on the Golden Mile. This year will be no exception, with huge crowds expected to watch the switch on of the Diwali lights.

This is a street party like no other – over 35,000 people of all faiths attend the switch on of the lights on the Golden Mile, and even more come along on Diwali day itself to experience the buzzing street atmosphere, colourful fashion, gold jewellery shops and mouth-watering food on offer from some of the country’s finest Indian restaurants. The Diwali Village caters for young and old of all communities, welcoming everyone to celebrate the Festival of Light in Leicester.

But it’s not all about the Golden Mile. The Diwali lights radiate out across the city in the tion’s form of a cultural event programme – from theatre performances to craft activities, The Na cultural talks and exhibitions – there are events for people of all ages and cultures to learn about and get involved with the celebratory spirit of the festival! Atta Favourite Contents Since 1962 Happy Diwali P4 Diwali in Leicester P6 - 7 Leicester’s Diwali Celebrations P8 - 9 What’s On P11 - 22 Map of Firework Display P24 - 25 Welcome to Leicester P27 Food P28 - 30 Shopping P31 - 35 Staying in the City P39 - 40 Travel into Leicester P42 - 43 Road Closures P44 - 45

For further information on Diwali in Leicester: W: visitleicester.info E: [email protected] T: 0116 299 4444

2 #DiwaliLeicester@elephantattaofficial @inkquisitive Diwali Guide 2019 3 Happy Diwali HERITAGE GRANGE, DIWALI SAPCOTE Happy COMING SOON

Leicester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country and it is with great pride that we host one of the largest Diwali events outside of India. As one of our most important and prestigious festivals it has grown from strength to strength as a main Find the space your family needs in Kibworth. attraction in the festival calendar of the city.

Diwali is a time for people from many cultures to come together in a spirit of friendship and greater understanding. It also serves as a wonderful time of year for family and friends to celebrate and for those visiting Leicester to share in these celebrations, may When your family grows it’s important to fi nd a home with all the space you need. we give you the warmest of welcomes on behalf of our city. Our new developments at Centurion Place and Harcourt Grove put families fi rst. We would like to express our gratitude to all of those who work tirelessly to ensure that The location is equally appealing, only ten miles from Leicester but in a stunning Diwali is such a success, particularly the Leicester Hindu Festival Council, along with village setting. Kibworth has it all, for every member of the family. Curve, the Diwali Advisory Panel, Young People’s Council, local ward councillors and all of the city council departments involved. Centurion Place, LE8 0UT Harcourt Grove, LE8 0HH It again gives us huge pleasure to join in these great celebrations and wish you all a very 2 to 5 bedroom homes plus 2 bedroom 2 to 4 bedroom homes from £208,000, happy and peaceful Diwali. bungalows from £249,000 plus 1 bedroom apartments coming soon Tel: 03301 628 407 Tel: 03301 627 335 Sir Peter Soulsby Piara Singh Clair MBE City Mayor Deputy City Mayor From stunning homes to great offers and unbeatable customer service, we have everything to help you make your move. It’s why our customers recommend us and it’s what makes The Miller Difference. Discover it for yourself by visiting either Harcourt Grove, open Thursday to Monday or Centurion Place, open daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

For more information visit: i celebratesafely.com www.millerhomes.co.uk Photography represents a typical Miller Homes interior. Price and availability correct at the time of going to print. Carpets and fl oor coverings are not included in our homes as standard. 4 #DiwaliLeicester 5 Diwali in Leicester On the third, Diwali day, clay lamps (called divas) and candles are lit in temples and houses, and fi reworks are let off , giving Diwali IN LEICESTER Diwali its name of Festival of Lights. People also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli (traditional colourful Leicester‘s celebration of Diwali is one of folk patterns), buy new clothes, and give the biggest outside of India. Whether it’s each other gifts and sweets. to enjoy dance, fi reworks, food or fashion - in Leicester Diwali come and celebrate Diwali with us! On the fourth, it is the start of the New Year (Nutan Varsh) and businesses The festival kicks off with our famous traditionally open new accounts. lights switch-on on Sunday 13 October and culminates with a glorious fi reworks The fi fth day is important to Hindus as display and entertainment on Diwali Day it celebrates the relationship between Sunday 27 October. We also have a brothers and sisters. fantastic selection of events taking place the Rajas could walk free with him. He was around the city during the fortnight and People seek blessings at Diwali from then given the name ‘Bandhi Chhorr’, the we welcome you to join us in Leicester. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and deliverer of prisoners. prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover What is Diwali? of obstacles. In India, Sikhs celebrate by lighting candles and divas (clay lamps) in houses and on Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated by For Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the release of the Sarowar – the sacred water which Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, and surrounds the Golden Temple, Amritsar. It represents the universal messages of 52 Hindu Rajas (kings) from imprisonment. Sikhs in Leicester celebrate in Gurdwaras good over evil, of truth over falsehood and Guru Hargobind Ji was held for 40 days at (temples). of light shining in the dark of the year. It Each day leading up to Diwali has a the Gwalior Fortress along with the Rajas, is traditionally a time for exchanging gifts, diff erent meaning and these also vary who had been deprived of their kingdoms For Jains, followers of one of India’s friendship, peace, and goodwill to all. between regions or communities. and were badly treated. When the time most ancient religions, Diwali marks the came for the Guru’s release, he refused to anniversary of the attainment of Moksha, For Hindus, Diwali represents the start of The fi rst day marks the start of Diwali. It is leave unless the Rajas were also set free. the fi nal liberation of the soul from the New Year. It also marks the start of dedicated to the worship of the Goddess the cycle of death and rebirth, by Lord winter. Diwali honours Lord Rama and his Lakshmi who provides prosperity. The condition imposed on him was that Mahavir. On this day, Jains celebrate this wife Sita returning to their kingdom of only those Rajas that could hold onto permanent happiness of the soul and Ayodhya, following Rama and Hanuman’s On the second, there is a focus on the Guru’s robe would be set free. Guru remember Lord Mahavir’s last sermon, victory over the demon King Ravana and abolishing evil and the Goddess Kali is Hargobind Ji had a special robe made which was given on Diwali day, before his rescue of Sita from his evil clutches. worshipped. with 52 khalia (tapers) so that each of soul left his body and was liberated.

We’re hiring!

THE KUBE IS THE PERFECT VENUE TO HOLD WEDDINGS We are looking for passionate and customer focused AND EVENTS WITH SPACE FOR UP TO 1000 GUESTS! (SEATED FOR 750) people to join us in our o ce. The Kube is a blank canvas and can be tailored to each client’s needs. Clearly Hastings Direct Contact Joe for more information - [email protected] - 0116 271 6515 Find out more at: hastingsdirectcareers.com CONFERENCES EVENTS WEDDINGS RACEDAYS EXHIBITIONS LANDHIRE

6 #DiwaliLeicester Diwali Guide 2019 7 Leicester’s Diwali Celebrations The Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground will feature a full stage programme showcasing local talent, children’s Leicester’s fun-fair rides and stalls including food and concessions running from 3pm to 9pm. DIWALI CELEBRATIONS On Diwali Day, the Diwali Village will again be on Cossington Street Recreation ground Diwali Lights Switch On along with a full stage programme of entertainment, presented by the Leicester Sunday 13 October 3pm – 9pm Hindu Festival Council. Belgrave Road main stage from 5.30pm Cossington Street Recreation Ground Fireworks have always been a traditional stage programme from 3pm part of Diwali celebrations and on Diwali Celebrations Diwali Leicester’s Day the fireworks can be viewed from Diwali Day Belgrave Road and the surrounding area. Leicester’s Diwali display is created and layers of spectacular colour and sound Sunday 27 October 3pm – 9pm choreographed by local company Bright which highlights the tradition of light and Cossington Street Recreation Ground Spark Fireworks Ltd who have embraced colour during this wonderful festival. stage programme from 6pm traditional elements mixed with the latest This year, Leicester’s world famous computer designed pyrotechnics and This year Leicester’s Wheel of Light Diwali celebrations promise to be more fireworks. Watch aerial fireworks exploding returns. The big wheel will be located on spectacular and dazzling than ever, hundreds of feet above, combined with Belgrave Road from Friday 11 October - with the return of the Diwali Village on pyrotechnics at different heights forming Sunday 10 November. Cossington Street Recreation Ground and an aerial firework display above Belgrave Road. Council, and supported by Curve. The stage programme Everyone will be welcomed to join in the for Diwali Switch On will run 5.30pm - 8pm festivities which will begin with the on Belgrave Road with the lights turned on illumination of the Diwali lights along at 7.30pm followed by the fireworks, which Belgrave Road, on Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile’, this year can be viewed from Belgrave on Sunday 13 October. Up to 40,000 people Road. The Golden Mile will be bathed in will watch the lights switch on, which light throughout the festive period until follows a vibrant programme of music Diwali Day, when the celebrations continue and dance on the Belgrave Road stage with the stage on Cossington Street presented by the Leicester Hindu Festival Recreation Ground.

From gin & prosecco in our Honesty As a Diwali treat, you can Inspiring the ladies and gents get 50% off a cut & colour! of for 45 years. Bar to lounging in our #BeSocial area… a new salon experience Simply bring this voucher Find us on Allandale Rd, to your preferred salon Granby St & in Oadby. awaits at 157 London Rd, LE2 1EG. Offer valid for bookings in October & November 2019. Selected stylists only. A skin test is required 48hrs prior to your colour 0116 285 8282 appointment. The offer can not be used in conjunction with any other offer. George’s Hairdressing/London Rd Hair have the right www.georgeshairdressing.com to amend these terms and conditions at any time.

8 #DiwaliLeicester Diwali Guide 2019 9 WHAT’S ON THE KUBE IS THE PERFECT VENUE TO HOLD WEDDINGS & EVENTS WITH SPACE FOR UP TO 1000 GUESTS! (seated for 750) The Kube is a blank canvas and can be tailored to each client’s needs.

For details of more events and activities go to visitleicester.info or follow us on: Contact Joe for more information leicesterfestivals leicesterfest #diwalileicester E: [email protected] T: 0116 271 6515

CONFERENCES EVENTS WEDDINGS RACEDAYS EXHIBITIONS LANDHIRE Diwali Guide 2019 11 What’s On Wheel of Light Friday 11 October – Sunday 10 November Belgrave Road W: visitleicester.info After last year’s success the 110-foot Ferris wheel is returning to this year’s Diwali celebrations. Leicester’s Wheel of Light arrives at Belgrave Road through to the end of Diwali. The wheel will be lit at night to provide a glittering centrepiece to the festivities. Opening times and ticket prices are available at visitleicester.info

Rangoli Exhibition Sunday 13, Monday 14 & Sunday 27 October 4pm – 8.30pm Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre Leicester Belgrave Mela in partnership with Tilda and Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre bring you the annual Diwali Rangoli exhibitions - a mixture of breathtakingly modern and traditional Rangoli styles. Be inspired by this once forgotten folk art and see how artists transform it into a visually stunning exhibition. Free drop in event. Suitable for all ages.

12 #DiwaliLeicester

Giraffes Can't Dance_Diwali advert_aw.indd 1 06/09/2019 17:24 Diwali Lights Switch On Highlights Curve presents highlights from ‘Bollywood Jane’ LIGHTS SWITCH ON Giant Puppet Parade 6.55pm Diwali 5.30pm – 6.30pm Relive colourful highlights from Curve’s Presented by An Indian Summer: Hanuman recent community production ’Bollywood Jane’. Inspired by the classic fi lm Dilwale Sunday 13 October To give light and warmth to everyone that and Ravana roam Belgrave Road in a battle over good and evil - take a picture with Dulhania Le Jayenge, this set features Diwali Lights Switch On 5.30pm – 9pm comes to the park a large moon shaped Bollywood dance sequences brought vividly Main stage 5.30pm – 8pm fi re installation ‘The Fireball’ will be the Giant Puppets as the story of the Ramayana is brought to life. to life by Kathak and contemporary dancer Belgrave Road installed. At three metres tall, a hundred Kesha Raithatha. individual giant candles will be lighted at On Switch Lights Diwali Diwali Village 3pm – 9pm twilight and burn bright for the duration Stage 3pm – 8.30pm of the event. Cossington Street Recreation Ground Watch as the lights of Diwali come to life Celebrate Diwali Leicester with the in the hands of a trio of fi re performers, illumination of the Diwali lights along Helter Skelter Arts, with a spectacular Belgrave Road featuring a traditional fi re show. The Diwali community stage music and dance programme on the main will dazzle you with dances and music stage, Diwali Village, annual Mela Rangoli to get you in the party mood. Artists exhibition and fi rework fi nale. The highlight from across the region showcase their of the main stage will relive colourful talents along with performances from Helter Skelter Arts Navin Kundra highlights from Curve’s recent community local schools, dance academies and 6.30pm & 8.30pm 7.45pm production ’Bollywood Jane’. performing art groups. You can also take Featuring impressive props, sparkly fi re Award-winning artist, Navin’s music part in a Bollywood-jazz class with Shiamak and special eff ects, combining movement, combines Eastern and Western infl uences Visit the famous Diwali Village in Midlands & Aakash Odedra Company at music and fl ames in a high energy show. spreading the light of love and happiness Cossington Street Recreation Ground Desi Masti Studio. through his music this Diwali. packed to the brim with fashion, jewellery, arts, crafts, henna and community Take a ride on Leicester’s Wheel of Light, information as well as children’s funfair, lighting up the streets at night with its freebies and giveaways. Plus don’t miss 110-foot illuminous Ferris wheel providing the huge variety of tantalising traditional a birds-eye view of the spectacular lights Indian snacks, delicious curries and drinks along Belgrave Road. And fi nally the Diwali from across the Indian subcontinent. Lights Switch On would not be the same without the spectacular aerial firework display which can be seen above Leicester’s Golden Mile and the surrounding area.

To all our customers, wishing you all a very

Chartered Certified Accountants