On 15 October 2017, for the first time ever, the Diwali Lights were switched on at the Coca –Cola London Eye to mark the Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The colour scheme of the London Eye resembled that of traditional Rangoli patterns.
The festival of Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The Diwali Lights switch on will be dedicated to the victims of the recent terror attacks in the United Kingdom as well as the Grenfell Tower Fire. The switch on paid tribute to the selfless work of the emergency services and volunteers who worked hard to assist victims during the recent events.
Lord Meghnad Deas
His Excellency Y.K Sinha (The Indian High Commission), His Excellency Mr Dinesh Patnaik (The Deputy High Commissioner of India), Meera Syal, Gurinder Chadha, Nitin Ganatra, Juggy D, Lord Popat, Lord Desai, Lord Gadhia, Shailesh Vara MP, Tan Dhesi MP and Lopa Patel MBE were among the Chief Guests who switched on the lights at the “Light Up London reception” being held at the Tattershall Castle Ship.
Ravi Bhanot and Vijay Davda, co-chairmen of the Light Up London committee, the organisation behind this event said “We are delighted to work with the London Eye, the Indian High Commission and the various community groups to have the Diwali lights switched on at the London Eye for the first time. Diwali is the Festival of Light and this event symbolizes this perfectly.”
Meera Sayal & HC India Shri Sinha
Sunny Jouhal, General Manager of the Coca-Cola London Eye said “We are delighted to have been a central part of this year’s celebrations of Diwali in London. As an iconic landmark of this diverse, multicultural city we are proud to add our own lights to this special event.”
Ravi & Sushma Bhanot with the London Mayor Sadiq Khan
Pranav Bhanot, event coordinator said “we believe it is important to dedicate the festival which marks the victory of good over evil to the victims of recent challenging events. Nevertheless, the festival should also celebrate the strength, resilience and bravery of the British public. We thank the Coca Cola London Eye and all of our sponsors for their support.”
Guests were treated to key note speeches, live entertainment and refreshing drinks. Funds will be raised for the Grenfell Tower Appeal.
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Congratulations to all and happy Diwali and New year.
An excellent function or call it a festival of dewali in London when thousands of
people thronged the Trafalgar square to watch dances on the big stage.
The Mayor mingled with the people to wish Happy dewali.
the super dinner party in the ship in the Thames River in which over 300 people participated and
enjoyed the illuminations of London Eye.
congratulations to all who came.