A Festival of Lights

Our Diwali Light It Up parade is a flagship project of Kala The Arts. This festival of lights is open to everyone in the community, with over 2000 children and adults taking part in a showcase of South Asian arts at its very best.

Diwali 2024

In November 2024, Kala The Arts returned with an outstanding parade and dance performance for Diwali in both Basingstoke and Reading! As the highlight of our programme each year, we’re very proud to present a celebration of South Asian culture represented and shared with the wider community. It’s a fantastic way to share stories and heritages with a diverse, inclusive festival.

This year’s theme the Earth and her animals, including Ravana, the ten-headed demon King, joining the parade for the first time from our friends at Inspirate. We also incorporated a five-headed Hanuman monkey King, Nandi cows, eagle and Mandir.

“I would like to start by offering my sincere congratulations to all the children, parents and staff who participated in our recent Diwali parade. It was a great occasion, and I was delighted to see our school community come together to celebrate this important festival. The parade was a huge success.”

— Oakridge Junior School Principal, Miss Diane Charman

“The children understood the importance of this in Indian culture and were excited to join the parade and perform.” — Teacher

“It was lovely to see children celebrating their culture with their friends with pride.” — Teacher

“Dance workshops were inspirational and with props it added to the experience of the children. The children talked about this for days and we ended up doing a performance for the rest of the 460 children.” — Teacher

Photos from 2024’s parade

Diwali Festival of Light Reading_Paul King
Diwali light up 2024 Reading_Paul KIng
Diwali light up Reading 2024_Paul King
Festival of Light Reading_Paul King (1)
Diwali light up Reading_Paul King (1)
Diwali light up Reading_Paul King (2)
Festival of Light Reading_Paul King
Diwali light up Reading_Paul King
Diwali lighting up Reading_Paul King
Diwali_Paul King
Drummer _Paul KIng (1)

From Kathak and Odissi to Hip Hop and Bollywood…

Through months of planning and rehearsals, we incorporate original and creative performances from local professional visual artists, local school children, dance students, professional dancers and community performers, bringing in the dance styles of Kathak, Odissi, Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary Yakshagana and Bollywood.

“The children lit up with excitement and haven’t stopped talking about it. Thank you for inviting us to this truly special cultural event.”

Geoffrey Field Junior School, Diwali 2021
A close-up of two large illuminated sculptures, one pink and the other blue, highlights the intricately designed figures in a glowing scene from Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up celebration. The light from surrounding lanterns adds to the enchanting nighttime display, bringing the artwork to life with vivid colors and a mystical atmosphere.
A costumed performer in vibrant traditional attire stands in the midst of the Diwali parade during the Kala The Arts
A group of women gather with colorful, handmade lanterns during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Smiling and enjoying the festive atmosphere, they pose in front of a large illuminated puppet, highlighting the joyful spirit of the event. The lanterns, decorated with vibrant designs, symbolize the triumph of light over darkness in this traditional celebration.
A group of participants at the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts stand in front of a sign bearing the organisation's name. The performers, dressed in traditional Indian attire with bright smiles, prepare to lead the event's festivities, adding to the colourful and joyous atmosphere.
A young participant in the Diwali Light It Up celebration plays a drum while surrounded by other musicians, creating a lively rhythm during the parade. The group, illuminated by lanterns and festive lights, adds to the vibrant energy of the event.
A large illuminated puppet, dressed in regal attire, is carried through the streets during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The puppet, towering over the crowd, leads the parade as onlookers follow along with glowing lanterns, adding a vibrant and festive touch to the event.
A large crowd holding lanterns parades during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Two large illuminated puppets lead the parade as the participants carry various shapes of glowing lanterns, creating a vibrant and festive scene at night.
A group of drummers, including a young child, performing with traditional drums during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The drummers are surrounded by vibrant lighting and large illuminated puppets, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
Four young children performing a choreographed dance in colourful gold and pink costumes during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The children dance in front of a captivated audience, with organisers and a banner from Kala The Arts visible in the background.
Two women on stage, one smiling and the other speaking into a microphone, during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The audience looks on as the event continues under vibrant lighting, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing with sticks during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers, dressed in colourful attire, are illuminated by vibrant lights while a captivated audience watches the performance under a tree-filled, festive atmosphere.
Group of young performers holding colourful sticks during a cultural dance at the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is bathed in vibrant lights while the audience watches the performance under illuminated trees, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers are dressed in colourful attire, dancing with sticks on an outdoor stage under vibrant lighting, while a captivated audience watches closely.
A young boy in colourful traditional attire performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. He holds decorative sticks as part of the performance, with vibrant lighting and other performers in the background, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A young boy in colourful traditional attire performs during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. He holds decorative sticks as part of the celebration, while other child performers in vibrant costumes participate, with a large illuminated figure in the background.
A child performer dressed in bright, traditional attire raises glowing sticks during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The child is surrounded by other performers, and festive lights create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
A child performer dressed in colourful traditional attire during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The child joyfully participates in the performance with a glowing wand, surrounded by a festive atmosphere and audience members in the background.
Close-up of a female performer in traditional South Asian attire, alongside other dancers, during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her focused expression and jewellery highlight the cultural significance of the event.
Group of dancers performing a traditional South Asian dance during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. One dancer is dressed in an elaborate costume portraying a mythological character, while others wear vibrant traditional attire, captivating the audience.
Dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts in front of Festival Place, Basingstoke. The stage is illuminated by vibrant lights under a night sky, with large puppets in the background and an engaged audience watching the cultural performances.
Traditional South Asian dancer performing a mythological character during Kala The Arts’ Diwali Light It Up event. The stage is illuminated with bright lights, and an engaged crowd watches the colourful performance in front of Festival Place in Basingstoke.
Dancer in a vibrant, traditional South Asian costume performs a mythological character during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated with colourful lighting, and other performers in traditional attire watch as the intricate dance takes place under the night sky.
Female dancer performing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. She is dressed in traditional South Asian attire with detailed jewellery, moving gracefully on stage with vibrant lighting in the background and an audience watching closely.
Female performer in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her intricate jewellery and expressive movements showcase the beauty of classical dance, with a vibrant backdrop enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Male performer in traditional South Asian attire, dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Behind him, a large, illuminated figure adds to the festive atmosphere of the event, highlighting cultural significance.
Male performer in traditional South Asian costume during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. He strikes a powerful pose with expressive hand gestures, performing a cultural dance on an illuminated stage.
Group of dancers in traditional attire performing a cultural dance during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The performers move in a circle, with intricate costumes and a large illuminated figure in the background, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Traditional dancers performing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. A performer in a vibrant, elaborate costume with face paint leads the group, embodying a mythological character, while other dancers in graceful attire follow.
Female performer in traditional South Asian attire and intricate jewellery dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. Her graceful hand movements and expressive face capture the essence of the cultural dance performance.
Large crowd gathered at the Diwali Light It Up event hosted by Kala The Arts. Families and community members sit under illuminated trees with vibrant lighting, enjoying the outdoor cultural performances.
Group of young performers in matching outfits and tutus dancing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated against a dark sky, with an audience watching the vibrant performance.
Group of young performers in matching outfits and tutus dancing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The stage is illuminated against a dark sky, with an audience watching the vibrant performance.
Group of young South Asian dancers in traditional attire performing during the Diwali Light It Up event by Kala The Arts. The performers stand in colourful costumes on an outdoor stage, holding candles in their hands as part of the cultural celebration.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Young performers in traditional South Asian attire dancing during the Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts. The outdoor stage is illuminated with vibrant colours, while a large audience watches the cultural performance.
Traditional South Asian dancers performing at Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up event. The performers wear colourful costumes and intricate jewellery, set against an illuminated backdrop with sculptures, celebrating the vibrant cultural festival.
Traditional South Asian dancers performing at Kala The Arts' Diwali Light It Up event. The performers wear colourful costumes and intricate jewellery, set against an illuminated backdrop with sculptures, celebrating the vibrant cultural festival.
Diwali Light It Up celebration by Kala The Arts, featuring traditional South Asian dancers performing on an outdoor stage with illuminated trees and a captivated audience in the background.

A Vibrant Festival of Culture

Presented and choreographed by Kala The Arts, we’re proud to have led many parades through Reading and Basingstoke since 2021. With Dhol drummers, lanterns, light and large installations and animated costumes, as well as acts and installations representative of the communities. Light It Up is a vibrant festival of culture, captivating the public imagination every year and engaging with thousands of audience members in Hampshire, Berkshire and beyond.

“What a brilliant community event thank you for involving my boys through dance workshops.”

Kimberley Gree

“I loved performing in front of a huge audience. It was magical.” — Young participant

“The lights and music were awesome. I couldn’t stop dancing. Loved my costume and will get my dad to buy one for Christmas.” — Young participant

“It was a cultural experience and the night had such an amazing  feel to it. We would attend again next year.” — Parent

“Seeing the year group participate in a huge Light it Up event was incredible and all of the hard work beforehand was well worth it. Thank you to Kala Arts for organising the workshops and event in Basingstoke it was cultural, memorable and enjoyable.” — Teacher

Diwali Light It Up! in the press

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Gazette Basingstoke IMG_20241120_132635
Diwali parade celebration in Basingstoke, as shown in the Basingstoke Gazette. The event features illuminated lanterns, dancers, and crowds enjoying the vibrant cultural festival. Children carry handmade lanterns, and performers in traditional costumes fill the streets, highlighting the joyful atmosphere.
Vibrant Diwali celebrations in Basingstoke, featured in the Basingstoke Gazette. The collage showcases traditional South Asian dancers, drummers, and colorful lanterns lighting up the streets. Performers in bright costumes and joyful crowds highlight the rich cultural festivities.
Hundreds gather for a Diwali festival in Basingstoke, as seen in the Basingstoke Gazette. The event features colorful dance performances, music, and lantern displays, celebrating the cultural richness of Diwali. Children holding lanterns and performers in traditional attire bring vibrant energy to the event.
Diwali celebration in Basingstoke featured in the Basingstoke Gazette, showcasing families with lanterns, colorful costumes, and a vibrant parade. Mayor joins the festivities, highlighting local community engagement and cultural performances.

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